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Move!: The New Science of Body Over Mind
Exercise changes the brain. But which exercises have what effect? Time to get up to speed with the cutting-edge science of the mind-body connection and discover how just a little bit of movement could shift your own head to a better place
A New Scientist best book of 2021
Did you know that walking can improve your cognitive skills? That strengthening your muscular core reduces anxiety? That light stretching can combat a whole host of mental and bodily ailments, from stress to inflammation? We all know that exercise changes the way you think and feel. But scientists are just starting to discover exactly how it works.
Hailed as a 'delight' by The New York Times and 'fascinating' by Women's Health , Caroline Williams explores the emerging science of how movement opens up a hotline to our minds. Interviewing researchers and practitioners around the world, Move! reveals how you can work your body to improve your mind. As we emerge from over a year's worth of lockdowns, there is no better time to take control of how you think and feel.
A New Scientist best book of 2021
Did you know that walking can improve your cognitive skills? That strengthening your muscular core reduces anxiety? That light stretching can combat a whole host of mental and bodily ailments, from stress to inflammation? We all know that exercise changes the way you think and feel. But scientists are just starting to discover exactly how it works.
Hailed as a 'delight' by The New York Times and 'fascinating' by Women's Health , Caroline Williams explores the emerging science of how movement opens up a hotline to our minds. Interviewing researchers and practitioners around the world, Move! reveals how you can work your body to improve your mind. As we emerge from over a year's worth of lockdowns, there is no better time to take control of how you think and feel.
- GenresNonfiction
256 pages, Paperback
Published March 31, 2022
10 people are currently reading
79 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
October 20, 2024
Who recommended this book to me: a magazine review.
I have to admit, the point about avoiding sitting too much made me grumpy. There was no mention about the downsides of much standing, or moving… but then I got more into the heart of the book’s point, and things became easier: moving = better health for body AND mind, and improving many already-existing issues.
Our need for movement is connected to evolution, and certain movements even more. Some benefits known are pretty new as we’ve found some in very recent knowledge of body, its message senders and together-keepers. Movement benefits when we’re together but also when we’re alone (some ’rest while doing things’ are certainly better when done more alone, like gardening). Exercises like walking, strength-building, dancing, stretching; and related, like posture and core exercises, breathing mindfully.
We get many examples of people, together and alone, benefitting from what is said to be useful in the chapters here. At the end, the author collects must-have movements/elements, ways to put things learned here into daily life, and some change ideas for whole society (optimistic).
I may still bristle about being told to sit less, but otherwise this book told me how much movement can benefit us, and reading this book can inspire everyone to seek more movement of body in their life. :)
I have to admit, the point about avoiding sitting too much made me grumpy. There was no mention about the downsides of much standing, or moving… but then I got more into the heart of the book’s point, and things became easier: moving = better health for body AND mind, and improving many already-existing issues.
Our need for movement is connected to evolution, and certain movements even more. Some benefits known are pretty new as we’ve found some in very recent knowledge of body, its message senders and together-keepers. Movement benefits when we’re together but also when we’re alone (some ’rest while doing things’ are certainly better when done more alone, like gardening). Exercises like walking, strength-building, dancing, stretching; and related, like posture and core exercises, breathing mindfully.
We get many examples of people, together and alone, benefitting from what is said to be useful in the chapters here. At the end, the author collects must-have movements/elements, ways to put things learned here into daily life, and some change ideas for whole society (optimistic).
I may still bristle about being told to sit less, but otherwise this book told me how much movement can benefit us, and reading this book can inspire everyone to seek more movement of body in their life. :)
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February 2, 2023На всички ни е ясно, че движението е важно, но понякога, заседнали в статичния ни работен ден, е трудно да си дадем сметка колко точно значение има. Каролин Уилиямс насочва вниманието към въплътеното ни съществуване, което често неглижираме в полза на духовно върховенство, а в страниците на книгата накратко са представени някои по-важни аспекти на силовите тренировки, разтягането, дишането и други.
Макар да не открих научната дълбочина, на която се надявах, получих няколко интересни отправни точки за написването на една от главите на дисертацията си. Лично за себе си взех известна мотивация да се движа повече през деня между дългите периоди на седене пред екрана, а най-интересна ми беше главата за ролята на дишането и ефектите върху тялото ни, които контролът на дъха има.
Препоръчвам на всички, без значение от възраст и професия. Много по-внушително предупреждение за здравето ни от всички надписи и ужасяващи изображения по цигарените кутии.
Макар да не открих научната дълбочина, на която се надявах, получих няколко интересни отправни точки за написването на една от главите на дисертацията си. Лично за себе си взех известна мотивация да се движа повече през деня между дългите периоди на седене пред екрана, а най-интересна ми беше главата за ролята на дишането и ефектите върху тялото ни, които контролът на дъха има.
Препоръчвам на всички, без значение от възраст и професия. Много по-внушително предупреждение за здравето ни от всички надписи и ужасяващи изображения по цигарените кутии.
August 26, 2023
Phenomenal book on the importance of movement, all kinds of movement, from short walks to sports to dancing. Full of fascinating interviews & new cutting edge research, Williams makes a compelling case & implores schools, governments & health organisations to advocate for more movement to be allowed & encouraged in all of our lives. The benefits mentally, physically & emotionally are very clear!
February 15, 2024
Finally someone saying "I'm sorry about your illness but no, movement is not bad for you"! Thank you!
I know there is a growing movement in our modern society saying that "you should rest more!" "Moving too much has proven to be bad for you" "you need medicine for everything nothing else will help".
Yes, meds are good, but this book takes up a whole slew of reasons as to why medicine is not the only good thing we can do for our bodies even if we're tired. Rest has a whole other meaning than "sit still and don't move". Read this and educate yourself!
I know there is a growing movement in our modern society saying that "you should rest more!" "Moving too much has proven to be bad for you" "you need medicine for everything nothing else will help".
Yes, meds are good, but this book takes up a whole slew of reasons as to why medicine is not the only good thing we can do for our bodies even if we're tired. Rest has a whole other meaning than "sit still and don't move". Read this and educate yourself!
May 31, 2022
Listened to the Audiobook. Very interesting!
April 11, 2023
"Move!" by Caroline Williams is a must-read for anyone interested in the fascinating world of movement and its impact on our physical and mental health. This book is both empowering and eye-opening, and I cannot recommend it enough.
Williams' writing style is engaging and informative, making complex concepts easy to understand and apply to our everyday lives. She takes readers on a journey through the history and science of movement, and explores the many benefits of incorporating movement into our daily routines.
What I love most about "Move!" is its emphasis on the importance of finding joy in movement. Williams encourages readers to experiment with different forms of movement, and to find the activities that bring them the most pleasure and fulfillment.
But "Move!" is not just a book about physical health - it's also a book about mental health. Williams explores the many ways that movement can improve our mood, reduce stress and anxiety, and enhance our cognitive function.
Overall, "Move!" is an empowering and eye-opening read that will inspire you to move more, and to discover the many benefits of incorporating movement into your daily life. Whether you're a fitness enthusiast or just starting out on your movement journey, this book is an absolute must-read.
Williams' writing style is engaging and informative, making complex concepts easy to understand and apply to our everyday lives. She takes readers on a journey through the history and science of movement, and explores the many benefits of incorporating movement into our daily routines.
What I love most about "Move!" is its emphasis on the importance of finding joy in movement. Williams encourages readers to experiment with different forms of movement, and to find the activities that bring them the most pleasure and fulfillment.
But "Move!" is not just a book about physical health - it's also a book about mental health. Williams explores the many ways that movement can improve our mood, reduce stress and anxiety, and enhance our cognitive function.
Overall, "Move!" is an empowering and eye-opening read that will inspire you to move more, and to discover the many benefits of incorporating movement into your daily life. Whether you're a fitness enthusiast or just starting out on your movement journey, this book is an absolute must-read.
May 25, 2025
A delicious book. I nibbled on it once every few days so I could keep learning new things about the body and mind and the amazing ways they connect and dance and tangle together. It all totaled up to a feast. This is how popular science books should be: engaging, confiding, informative without being overbearing, talking to scientists and practitioners instead of just citing papers, although publications are of course included as well.
Most of all I loved this book because it has changed the way I think about movement and how I move throughout my day - more intentional, more measured. And the boost it gives me on my way to a workout when I don’t feel like working out lol.
READ IT. VERY IMPORTANT INFO INSIDE THIS BOOK.
Most of all I loved this book because it has changed the way I think about movement and how I move throughout my day - more intentional, more measured. And the boost it gives me on my way to a workout when I don’t feel like working out lol.
READ IT. VERY IMPORTANT INFO INSIDE THIS BOOK.
June 26, 2023
This is an interesting book. Reemphasizes the importance of movement. Offers a few tips. Some additional tools / links could have been added.
June 23, 2025
Ableist, and misrepresenting science, but core message accurate.
July 23, 2025
Very informative about why it is so important to move throughout the day. And showed how to get that natural high through moving with the breath.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews