Exercised - Summary and Key Ideas

"Exercised" is a book that explores the science of physical activity, rest, and health from an evolutionary and anthropological perspective. It debunks common myths about exercise, discusses the paradox of exercise in the modern world, and provides insights into how different types of physical activity affect our bodies and health.

The target audience for the book "Exercised" appears to be both exercise enthusiasts and those who struggle with or are ambivalent about exercise. The author aims to provide insights into the science of exercise and physical activity, making it relevant for those interested in understanding the benefits, drawbacks, and misconceptions surrounding exercise.

Buy the book
Exercised

Key ideas

01

Human physical activity is influenced by both genetic and environmental factors, but the modern need for deliberate exercise is a cultural shift driven by reduced physical labor.

02

The essence of the text is that while inactivity is a natural part of human existence, the modern lifestyle's prolonged and uninterrupted sedentariness combined with minimal exercise is detrimental to health, and the solution lies in incorporating more light activity throughout the day.

Play in App
03

Sleep is a vital biological function with varying patterns across species, influenced by evolution, culture, and lifestyle, and is crucial for optimal brain performance and overall health.

Play in App
04

Humans, due to their evolutionary development, are slower than most four-legged mammals, but can improve their speed and endurance through training, making them a mix of both sprinters and endurance runners.

Play in App
05

Humans have evolved to prioritize cooperation and controlled aggression over extreme physical strength, with sports and cultural practices further promoting these traits.

Play in App
06

The evolution of bipedal walking in humans, initially a survival necessity and energy-efficient mode of locomotion, has become less prevalent in modern societies, contributing to health issues, thus necessitating conscious efforts to incorporate walking into daily routines.

Play in App
07

Running and dancing, deeply rooted in human history, have served as vital tools for building endurance and strength, and continue to promote health and joy when practiced with good form.

Play in App
08

Physical activity, particularly in older age, can slow down senescence and improve overall health, supporting the theory that human longevity evolved to benefit not just the individual but also younger generations.

Play in App
09

Making exercise a social, enjoyable, and essential part of daily routine can help overcome our natural disinclination towards it, fostering lifelong health and well-being.

Play in App
10

Regular exercise, combining moderate aerobic activity and resistance training, is a key strategy for maintaining health and prolonging lifespan.

Play in App
11

Exercise is a crucial tool in managing various health conditions and maintaining overall well-being, but it cannot negate the effects of an unhealthy lifestyle.

Play in App
12

Play in App
Get the App
Access all 12 key ideas for free!

Summary & Review

"Exercised" by Daniel Lieberman is a comprehensive exploration of the science of physical activity, rest, and health. The book delves into the evolutionary aspects of exercise, arguing that humans never evolved to exercise for the sake of health and fitness, but rather for survival. Lieberman suggests that in the modern world, we struggle to replace necessary physical activity with optional and often disagreeable exercise. He emphasizes that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to exercise, and that the best type and amount of exercise can vary greatly depending on individual factors such as age, sex, weight, fitness level, and history of injury. The book concludes with the idea that lifelong physical activity dramatically increases the chances of living a healthy life into old age.

Daniel Lieberman

Daniel Lieberman is an American paleoanthropologist and a professor at Harvard University. He is known for his research on the evolution of the human head and the evolution of the human body's response to physical activity.

Find all the book summaries

Quality book summaries

So denken Millionäre

"So denken Millionäre" ist ein Buch, das das Konzept des finanziellen Erfolgs und Reichtums untersucht und argumentiert, dass es hauptsächlich durch das unterbewusste "finanzielle Bauplan" einer Person bestimmt wird. Das Buch bietet Strategien zur Änderung dieses Bauplans, um eine Denkweise zu schaffen, die dem finanziellen Erfolg förderlich ist. Dazu gehören das Verständnis der Ursachen von finanziellen Schwierigkeiten, das Ändern selbstzerstörerischer Gewohnheiten und die Umsetzung praktischer Strategien zur Schaffung von Reichtum.

Think Faster, Talk Smarter

"Think Faster, Talk Smarter" is a self-help book that provides strategies and techniques to improve cognitive abilities and communication skills. It aims to help readers make quicker decisions, articulate thoughts more effectively, and enhance overall mental agility.

Body by Science

"Body by Science" is a research-based fitness program that focuses on strength training and body building, aiming to achieve complete fitness in just 12 minutes a week. The book explores the science behind exercise, the role of genetics in fitness, and provides specific training programs for different groups like athletes and seniors.

Be Useful

"Be Useful" is a book that provides seven tools for life, aiming to guide readers towards success, self-actualization, and resilience. The book emphasizes the importance of being useful to others and giving back to the community as a path to a fulfilling life.

Kitab Al-Iman

"Kitab Al-Iman" is a religious text written by Abū Bakr ‘Abdullāh ibn Muhammad ibn Abī Shaybah Al-Kūfī, which discusses the concept of faith (Iman) in Islam. The book includes narrations and teachings from the Prophet Muhammad and other Islamic leaders, focusing on the nature of faith, its importance, and its role in guiding moral and ethical behavior.

Grit

"Grit" is Angela Duckworth's exploration into the power of grit - an amalgamation of passion and perseverance, and its functionality in achieving success. Through a blend of research and insights derived from interviews, Duckworth constructs an understanding of the role grit plays in both professional and personal success. The book outlines ways in which readers can cultivate grit within themselves.