Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain
by John J. Ratey
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Book Summary Information
Author: John J. RateyContributor: Eric Hagerman
Edition: Hardcover
Audio: English (Original Language); English (Unknown); English (Published)
Published: 2008-01-10
ISBN: 0316113506
Number of pages: 304
Publisher: Little, Brown and Company
Book Reviews of Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain
Book Review: Regular Aerobic Exercise Helps School Performance and Improves Mental Performance During Stress, Anxiety, Depression, and Aging
Summary: 5 Stars
I've read a lot about the brain in the last decade, and I thought this book was the most helpful summary I've seen of what to do differently. The thinking person is the person who aerobically exercises regularly.
Spark is an excellent summary of the brain research during the last decade or so that has added to our knowledge of how regular aerobic exercise stimulates better and more effective mental activity. Dr. Ratey considers the impact of such exercise on school-age children . . . and adults with stress, anxiety, depression, attention deficits, hormonal changes, and aging bodies. He also recommends a general exercise regime that seems to optimize what we know today from these studies.
The essence of the book can be found in the observation that optimal brain functioning requires plenty of blood, the right nutrients, a balance of body chemicals designed to help the brain operate, and an ability to grow new cells and connections in the brain. Each of these elements is helped by regular aerobic exercise. The results are often measurable within a few weeks.
So if you thought that aerobic exercise was simply about looking and feeling good, you're wrong. It's also about thinking well and being able to learn. There are longevity and other quality of life benefits as well . . . including reduced incidence of disease and less chance of dementia.
The book also explores that you don't have to do a tremendous amount of exercise to get most of the benefits.
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