The Joy of Movement

How Exercise Helps Us Find Happiness, Hope, Connection, and Courage

By: Kelly McGonigal

Narrated by: Kelly McGonigal

Length: 7 hrs and 52 mins

Publisher's summary

The best-selling author of The Willpower Instinct introduces a surprising science-based audiobook that doesn't tell us why we should exercise but instead shows us how to fall in love with movement.

Exercise is health-enhancing and life-extending, yet many of us feel it's a chore. But as Kelly McGonigal reveals, it doesn't have to be. Movement can and should be a source of joy.

Through her trademark blend of science and storytelling, McGonigal draws on insights from neuroscience, psychology, anthropology, and evolutionary biology, as well as memoirs, ethnographies, and philosophers. She shows how movement is intertwined with some of the most basic human joys, including self-expression, social connection, and mastery - and why it is a powerful antidote to the modern epidemics of depression, anxiety, and loneliness.

McGonigal tells the stories of people who have found fulfillment and belonging through running, walking, dancing, swimming, weightlifting, and more, with examples that span the globe, from Tanzania, where one of the last hunter-gatherer tribes on the planet live, to a dance class at Juilliard for people with Parkinson's disease, to the streets of London, where volunteers combine fitness and community service, to races in the remote wilderness, where athletes push the limits of what a human can endure. Along the way, McGonigal paints a portrait of human nature that highlights our capacity for hope, cooperation, and self-transcendence.

The result is a revolutionary narrative that goes beyond familiar arguments in favor of exercise, to illustrate why movement is integral to both our happiness and our humanity. Listeners will learn what they can do in their own lives and communities to harness the power of movement to create happiness, meaning, and connection.

©2019 Kelly McGonigal (P)2019 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

"Part scientific exploration, part inspirational story, part intimate love letter to physical activity, The Joy of Movement reveals how what many consider as just 'exercise' is actually so much more - a pathway to not only physical and mental health, but also love, connection, and community. Kelly has written a fascinating book that is a must-read for everyone, really." (Brad Stulberg, best-selling author of Peak Performance and The Passion Paradox; columnist at Outside magazine)

Informative AND inspirational

Wow. I really enjoyed this audio book. It was the perfect mix of sound scientific explanations and anecdotal experiences to both inform and motivate. I already love to workout regularly and still found so much value in listening to this. It made me think about a lot of concepts in a different way than I have in the past, and made me want to dive even deeper into finding the perfect ways for me to incorporate movement into my life in a unique and joyful way.

Beautiful inspiring tribute to humanity

This might be the best book I've ever read. The author weaves research with storytelling in a compelling way. Every chapter and story has moved me physically, emotionally, and spiritually. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to know how to navigate this human life with greater ease, joy, courage, and support.

inspired me to exercise

Great focus on group exercise classes and the synchronous way in which people benefit from moving in unison together.

Accessible and inspiring

The woven narratives between story and science captured my attention! The author's voice was warm and inviting. Easy to listen to on my commute and motivated me to get active!

Excellent

Excellent exposition of the ways movement plays an important role in well being and a joyful living.

Perfect complement to walking

I absolutely enjoyed listening to this as I walk. Kelly’s voice is calming as she moves from story to story, revelation to epiphany, and struggle to triumph from start to finish. I’m a bit of a research junkie, so the nuggets of scientific knowledge throughout the book were a treat.

Essential

Movement has become one of the most important spiritual practices of my life. This book is one that every single person who has a beating heart, expanding lungs, an electric brain, hearing ears, and seeing eyes should experience. Life swells within these words, be they spoken or read.

love the mix of science and stories

Kelly did a wonderful job marrying stories and science to bring us a very good understanding is why movement is so important to our lives. thank you!

Must read!

The JOY of Movement resonated deeply with me! I’ve recommended it to my entire family in hopes it will flip a switch in each of them to seek their own movement of choice as a way to pursue JOY and whole health.

Great book

Both inspiring and informative, with a brilliant bland of scientific knowledge and good storytelling, the author does an amazing job for every person who seeks the bodily origin of happiness and joy.