Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain (Your Coach in a Box)
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Consumer Rating: 
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
"Spark really shifted the way I think about exercise and sport. Recently there was a article from our local school on how the kids are participating in a running club on Tuesday Mornings and a "Brains, Body, Confidence, program in the afternoon and immediately thought of the principles covered in Spark [....]
has anyone else seen it applied in schools?"
~ Written on 2010-08-25
has anyone else seen it applied in schools?"
~ Written on 2010-08-25
"I love this book! It is very informative and interesting! Learning about all the effects that exercise has on the brain has really increased my motivation to exercise on a regular basis. If you're experiencing stress, fear, depression, anxiety, ADHD, addictions, or other mental issues, start exercising and see if it helps you! In addition to this book I would also recommend the following books: "Ready, Set, Go! Synergy Fitness" by Phil Campbell and "Pace: The 12-Minute Fitness Revolution" by Al Sears M.D."
~ Written on 2010-07-29
~ Written on 2010-07-29
"I bought this book for my dad for Christmas a couple years ago, to encourage his New Year's resolutions regarding exercising more. But after the unwrapping I picked it up myself and was hooked.
I have always felt intuitively that the main thesis of this book is true, and lived by it, but I never had any real evidence for that belief and never thought of looking into it myself. It just seemed self-evident that exercise was a necessary and profitable thing to be doing, even as friends during exam-time would ask how I could possibly waste an hour at the gym with finals the next morning.
Well, the evidence is in (and has been for some time, it seems) and Ratey does a very admirable job of collecting much of it in one place, and explaining it all in way simple enough for absolutely anyone to understand. Yes, he oversimplifies greatly (brain-derived neurotrophic factor becomes 'Miracle-Gro for your brain'), but then that's the idea, to get this message out and increase people's awareness of just how beneficial exercise is for the brain/mind.
This message is examined from almost every conceivable angle, again, all in a very easily-comprehensible way. As I studied neuroscience in undergrad, I was astounded that none of this revolutionary information was being taught. Whether you look at grades, motivation, depression scores, etc. on the behavioral level, or go down to the neural and genetic level in mice, looking at dendrites, BDNF, and so on, every measure suggests that exercise (cardiovascular mostly, but some evidence for strength training as well) has positive effects on mood, memory, motivation, intelligence (IQ) and so on and so forth. The list goes on. Not only are these ameliorative effects observed, but exercise seems to have protective/preventive effects as well with respect to degenerative neural diseases like Alzheimer's or relapses into conditions like depression. This is all ON TOP of the many and obvious benefits for the rest of your body's health and wellbeing! And actually looking at the amount of exercise used in many of the studies, it is a truly pittling amount of time to spend (on the order of a few hours a week, at most) for such wonderful benefits.
Furthermore, the book is entertaining and well-written, probably largely thanks to the efforts of the co-author. Ratey himself seems very earnest and to have only the best intentions at heart in getting these ideas out to a nation so wealthy it is creating new diseases of excess for itself (like obesity and Type II diabetes). He's done a great credit to his own mission, and all of us, by marshalling the extensive evidence for his claims in a very readable and well-referenced account.
Read this book, and then stick to an exercise routine! Your grey matter will thank you."
~ Written on 2010-07-20
I have always felt intuitively that the main thesis of this book is true, and lived by it, but I never had any real evidence for that belief and never thought of looking into it myself. It just seemed self-evident that exercise was a necessary and profitable thing to be doing, even as friends during exam-time would ask how I could possibly waste an hour at the gym with finals the next morning.
Well, the evidence is in (and has been for some time, it seems) and Ratey does a very admirable job of collecting much of it in one place, and explaining it all in way simple enough for absolutely anyone to understand. Yes, he oversimplifies greatly (brain-derived neurotrophic factor becomes 'Miracle-Gro for your brain'), but then that's the idea, to get this message out and increase people's awareness of just how beneficial exercise is for the brain/mind.
This message is examined from almost every conceivable angle, again, all in a very easily-comprehensible way. As I studied neuroscience in undergrad, I was astounded that none of this revolutionary information was being taught. Whether you look at grades, motivation, depression scores, etc. on the behavioral level, or go down to the neural and genetic level in mice, looking at dendrites, BDNF, and so on, every measure suggests that exercise (cardiovascular mostly, but some evidence for strength training as well) has positive effects on mood, memory, motivation, intelligence (IQ) and so on and so forth. The list goes on. Not only are these ameliorative effects observed, but exercise seems to have protective/preventive effects as well with respect to degenerative neural diseases like Alzheimer's or relapses into conditions like depression. This is all ON TOP of the many and obvious benefits for the rest of your body's health and wellbeing! And actually looking at the amount of exercise used in many of the studies, it is a truly pittling amount of time to spend (on the order of a few hours a week, at most) for such wonderful benefits.
Furthermore, the book is entertaining and well-written, probably largely thanks to the efforts of the co-author. Ratey himself seems very earnest and to have only the best intentions at heart in getting these ideas out to a nation so wealthy it is creating new diseases of excess for itself (like obesity and Type II diabetes). He's done a great credit to his own mission, and all of us, by marshalling the extensive evidence for his claims in a very readable and well-referenced account.
Read this book, and then stick to an exercise routine! Your grey matter will thank you."
~ Written on 2010-07-20
"I enjoyed this book. It's important that people understand the exercise is not just a tool for weight loss, but a critical component of a well-functioning brain and body.
If you want to enjoy optimal health, and that includes mental happiness, then you need to exercise. Not just to lose weight, but because so many aspects of our health, longevity, and happiness are tied to the biological responses to exercise and movement.
"
~ Written on 2010-07-05
If you want to enjoy optimal health, and that includes mental happiness, then you need to exercise. Not just to lose weight, but because so many aspects of our health, longevity, and happiness are tied to the biological responses to exercise and movement.
"
~ Written on 2010-07-05
"I thought this book was not very informative. Was not what I thought it would be."
~ Written on 2010-06-23
~ Written on 2010-06-23