How to Think About Exercise

February 1, 2015

Australian philosopher Young believes that fitness can simultaneously develop both mind and body. The author uses examples from Greek mythology, modern superheroes, and top athletes to demonstrate how physical exercise can usher in creativity, cultivate dedication, and generate self-assurance. Young's chapter on the psychic benefits of pain--that it sharpens one's perception of what's important in life--may be pushing the glories of exercise a bit too far, but his idea of slow stretches bringing on a oneness in mind and body makes sense. VERDICT The book probably won't entice reticent readers to work out but will awaken them to new ways of doing it.

Copyright 2015 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

December 1, 2014
Australian philosopher Young seeks to expand our often dim view of exercise in this surprising, smart, and thoroughly enjoyable inquiry. He looks first to the ancient Greeks, for whom exercise was a way to savor their full humanity. This leads to Young's keen, anecdotal, vigorously referenced analysis of the psychological rewards, and ethical virtues of exercise, namely reverie, pride, sacrifice, beauty, humility, pain, and consistency, as well as the sublime and oneness. He considers how Charles Darwin's habitual long walks helped him develop his ideas and how running does the same for writer Haruki Murakami because, Young elucidates, we evolved in sync with our environment and are most vital, mentally and physically, when we engage with the tactile, vibrant world. Naturally, Young has interesting things to say about our screen habits. With readings of David Hume and John Dewey, practical advice, and tales of his own fitness pursuits offered as both illustrative examples and comic relief, Young profoundly deepens our perception of the benefits of intelligent exercise in this outstanding addition to the School of Life series.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2014, American Library Association.)