Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain (Your Coach in a Box)
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By: John J. Ratey
Format: Audio CD
From: Your Coach In A Box
Pub. Date: 3rd August 2009
From: Your Coach In A Box
Pub. Date: 3rd August 2009
Product Details:
Catalog: Book
Release Date: 2009-08-03
Media: Audio CD
Format: Audiobook, Unabridged
Ean: 9781596592834
Isbn: 1596592834
Catalog: Book
Release Date: 2009-08-03
Media: Audio CD
Format: Audiobook, Unabridged
Ean: 9781596592834
Isbn: 1596592834
ABOUT THE BOOK
EDITORIAL REVIEW
Did you know that in a landmark study, aerobic exercise was shown to be as effective as antidepressants? That women who exercise, lower their chances of developing dementia by 50 percent? That a revolutionary fitness program helped put one U.S.
In Spark, John J. Ratey, MD, takes the listener on a fascinating journey through the mind-body connection, presenting startling new research to prove that exercise is truly the best defense against everything from mood disorders to ADHD to addiction to menopause to Alzheimer's. He explains that the brain works just as muscles do-growing with use, withering with inactivity-and shows why getting your heart and lungs pumping can mean the difference between a calm,focus ed mind and a harried, inattentive self.
Filled with cutting-edge science and amazing case studies, Spark is the first audio book to explore the connection between exercise and the brain. And with a simple, targeted regimen to get the listener's body moving and his mind in peak condition, it will forever change the way he thinks about his morning run-and, for that matter, the way he thinks.
In Spark, John J. Ratey, MD, takes the listener on a fascinating journey through the mind-body connection, presenting startling new research to prove that exercise is truly the best defense against everything from mood disorders to ADHD to addiction to menopause to Alzheimer's. He explains that the brain works just as muscles do-growing with use, withering with inactivity-and shows why getting your heart and lungs pumping can mean the difference between a calm,
Filled with cutting-edge science and amazing case studies, Spark is the first audio book to explore the connection between exercise and the brain. And with a simple, targeted regimen to get the listener's body moving and his mind in peak condition, it will forever change the way he thinks about his morning run-and, for that matter, the way he thinks.
USER REVIEWS
"Read the first 25 pages and you'll be out of your chair,into your cross-trainers, and rounding up your loved ones for a long brisk walk.
I read this, however, as someone with PTSD and ADD, the latter diagnosed a year ago in light of recent research showing that the two go hand-in-hand. I've been reading/skimming everything I can since we can't get my medication sorted out, my liver enzymes are abnormal, and since we've just identified which of the six observed types of ADD I have. SPARK is readable, credible, and inspiring. (Eg, childhood trauma prevents the prefrontal cortex from growing to full size and from being able to perform all of its assigned executive functions. But regular exercise increases the size of the prefrontal cortex.) It's a book of hopeful surprises.
Having taught for 20 years, and being too aware of the torment and charade of No Child Left Behind, I swear we mandate that every student start his or her day with easily measured, and tracked, aerobic exercise. Walking is a low-budget item, and if morning aerobic exercise cuts school violence even half of what's reported here, and if test scores increase only half of what's reported here, we're out of our minds not to get the kids in this country to start their days with exercise. (Who knew that walking to school in the 1960's and early 70's contributed to my academic success?)
And then there's the impact we could have on our national health care crisis--
Enough. A smart and inspiring book. Read it. "
~ Written on 2010-02-18
I read this, however, as someone with PTSD and ADD, the latter diagnosed a year ago in light of recent research showing that the two go hand-in-hand. I've been reading/skimming everything I can since we can't get my medication sorted out, my liver enzymes are abnormal, and since we've just identified which of the six observed types of ADD I have. SPARK is readable, credible, and inspiring. (Eg, childhood trauma prevents the prefrontal cortex from growing to full size and from being able to perform all of its assigned executive functions. But regular exercise increases the size of the prefrontal cortex.) It's a book of hopeful surprises.
Having taught for 20 years, and being too aware of the torment and charade of No Child Left Behind, I swear we mandate that every student start his or her day with easily measured, and tracked, aerobic exercise. Walking is a low-budget item, and if morning aerobic exercise cuts school violence even half of what's reported here, and if test scores increase only half of what's reported here, we're out of our minds not to get the kids in this country to start their days with exercise. (Who knew that walking to school in the 1960's and early 70's contributed to my academic success?)
And then there's the impact we could have on our national health care crisis--
Enough. A smart and inspiring book. Read it. "
~ Written on 2010-02-18
"LEARNED OF THIS BOOK AT THE CONTINUING EDUCATION PROGRAM AT CMU (OSHER) AND BOUGHT SEVERAL COPIES OF THIS BOOK. EXCELLENT. "
~ Written on 2010-02-16
~ Written on 2010-02-16
"Ratey's book is excellent. It was recommended to me by a friend last summer, I bought it on Kindle, and read it quickly. I was impressed with Ratey's background (more than a decade doing research on the subject of the book), and the wealth of studies and data he cited and summarized. His straightforward writing style helped him to make his case with me too.
I have exercised regularly all my life (now in my 60's) with the reason that it makes me feel better, look better, stay healthier, and able to more easily do a lot of activities and sports that I enjoy. I have usually exercised 3 to 4 days per week since college. This book made me reflect more thoroughly on how my exercise has helped me to think better, and more clearly, and be more effective at my work and my social life. I realized that on those particularly mornings when I have done an aerobic workout I have actually felt more focused, more relaxed, and thought more clearly. I realized that the same result had occurred over and over again for me, and it did not occur on the days when I did not get that morning workout, and I also realized that that was just what Ratey was talking about in this book, and that was what the studies' data showed.
As a result of reading the book I made it a practice of getting an aerobic workout (20 minutes) every morning. It has now been 5-1/2 months and I don't think I have missed a day. It works and it continues to work. I lead a very busy life. I have a stressful business, and travel a lot. No matter where I am and no matter how little sleep I am getting, each day I continue to get by on 30 minutes less sleep so I can squeeze in that morning workout. I cannot imagine ever not doing it. It simply works. Every day I can feel the difference in the clarity of my thinking in everything I do.
Thank you Mr. Ratey."
~ Written on 2010-02-14
I have exercised regularly all my life (now in my 60's) with the reason that it makes me feel better, look better, stay healthier, and able to more easily do a lot of activities and sports that I enjoy. I have usually exercised 3 to 4 days per week since college. This book made me reflect more thoroughly on how my exercise has helped me to think better, and more clearly, and be more effective at my work and my social life. I realized that on those particularly mornings when I have done an aerobic workout I have actually felt more focused, more relaxed, and thought more clearly. I realized that the same result had occurred over and over again for me, and it did not occur on the days when I did not get that morning workout, and I also realized that that was just what Ratey was talking about in this book, and that was what the studies' data showed.
As a result of reading the book I made it a practice of getting an aerobic workout (20 minutes) every morning. It has now been 5-1/2 months and I don't think I have missed a day. It works and it continues to work. I lead a very busy life. I have a stressful business, and travel a lot. No matter where I am and no matter how little sleep I am getting, each day I continue to get by on 30 minutes less sleep so I can squeeze in that morning workout. I cannot imagine ever not doing it. It simply works. Every day I can feel the difference in the clarity of my thinking in everything I do.
Thank you Mr. Ratey."
~ Written on 2010-02-14
"As an avid exerciser and elementary teacher, this book offered a lot of good insights, both for me personally and professionally. Basically, to sum up the book- exericse is essential for a healthy body and mind. On a physiological level it strengthens and increases dendrites (brain cells), increases certain "feel-good" chemicals, and improves cardiovascular components. This leads to a happy, healthier lifestyle.
Ratey breaks the text down into several sections, discussing how exercise can positively influence each. Sections include depression, anxiety, stress, attention disorders, addiction, and hormonal issues. The text also talks about how exercise can improve learning and stall the aging process. Teachers and parents will want to pay close attention the learning and attention disorders sections.
Ratey concludes the text with a section called "regimen," in which he helps readers get a better perspective about what types of exercise they should be doing, and how often.
This book is great for everyone, since everyone should exercise."
~ Written on 2009-12-19
Ratey breaks the text down into several sections, discussing how exercise can positively influence each. Sections include depression, anxiety, stress, attention disorders, addiction, and hormonal issues. The text also talks about how exercise can improve learning and stall the aging process. Teachers and parents will want to pay close attention the learning and attention disorders sections.
Ratey concludes the text with a section called "regimen," in which he helps readers get a better perspective about what types of exercise they should be doing, and how often.
This book is great for everyone, since everyone should exercise."
~ Written on 2009-12-19
"The author definitely oversells his argument, which in itself is fairly sound.
One thing in particular I picked up on is his use of Naperville School Discrict 203 as a case study for how excersise improves learning. It is true that the students there are excellent and do very well in science and math, but he doesn't look at other contributing factors such as ethnic demographics. There are a large number of children from immigrant families who are very educated - India, China, etc. Education is the #1 priority for these people. I come from a similar family, although European, and can see that people who don't come from that background don't get it - at all. Excersise didn't make me educated, my parents and my hard work made me educated!"
~ Written on 2009-12-08
One thing in particular I picked up on is his use of Naperville School Discrict 203 as a case study for how excersise improves learning. It is true that the students there are excellent and do very well in science and math, but he doesn't look at other contributing factors such as ethnic demographics. There are a large number of children from immigrant families who are very educated - India, China, etc. Education is the #1 priority for these people. I come from a similar family, although European, and can see that people who don't come from that background don't get it - at all. Excersise didn't make me educated, my parents and my hard work made me educated!"
~ Written on 2009-12-08