Exercise is Medicine

October 7, 2019
Readers looking for an impetus to start exercising will find it in this accessible and well-organized book from health journalist Foreman (The Global Pain Crisis). She begins with a quick overview of the science of aging, explaining how it manifests on a cellular level, and ends chapter one with this chilling declaration: “Removing exercise from our environment is like removing air: You get sick.” The book’s pace then picks up as Foreman covers a wide array of subjects, giving encouraging insights into the positive effects exercise can have on diabetes, obesity, blood pressure, and cholesterol. The penultimate chapter is especially helpful, covering topics such as what happens when one stops exercising, and the relationship between excessive weight and fitness, and beta-blockers and exercise. Throughout, Foreman includes “Inspirational Tales,” research studies, and boxed sidebars covering chapter-related topics. While it’s a bit disruptive to have bibliographic notes at each chapter’s conclusion—some running close to 20 pages—the plethora of sources Foreman includes is a testament to her depth of research. Foreman’s primer will be both educational and deeply motivational for the aspiring fitness enthusiast.

November 1, 2019
"Exercise is the closest thing there is to a magic bullet for preventing disease and disability, maximizing health and prolonging life." And it's free! Just two-and-half hours of moderate exercise weekly can increase one's lifespan by three-and-a-half years. On the other hand, sedentary lifestyles are a greater predictor of premature death than the usual suspects, smoking, obesity, and diabetes. Furthermore, health columnist Foreman (A Nation in Pain, 2014) writes, a projected 25-percent of cancers worldwide are linked to a lack of activity and being overweight. Foreman's treatise on the benefits of exercise is packed with useful and intriguing information, though it can get a bit too technical. Sections focus on exercise and immunity, mood, cancer, muscle and bone, the heart, and gut bacteria. One chapter is strikingly titled "Sitting Kills." Consider that only one hour of running can add about seven hours to life expectancy. Foreman covers possible risks, but the connection between fitness and health is indisputable. Moderate exercise is an awesome ally. Make it your BFF.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2019, American Library Association.)