Exercise is Medicine: How Physical Activity Boosts Health and Slows Aging

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. (Dec.)