The Joy of Movement Audiobook By Kelly McGonigal cover art

The Joy of Movement

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

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The Joy of Movement

By: Kelly McGonigal
Narrated by: Kelly McGonigal
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About this listen

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
Exercise & Fitness Fitness, Diet & Nutrition Hygiene & Healthy Living Personal Development Personal Success Physical Exercise Inspiring Suspenseful

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)

What listeners say about The Joy of Movement

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Inspiring Stories Motivational Anecdotes Soothing Voice Compelling Storytelling Heartfelt Personal Reflections
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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.

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Muscle is an endocrine organ. Just MOVE!

One of my all time favorite non-fiction books...top five! Scientifically based argument to get moving. Each chapter brings new and deeper insights illustrated through personal stories of interviewees. Worth the listen or read, but, be careful, it will forever change your life and perspective!

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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Boy, Human Beings are Meant to Move

Kelly McGonigal does a great job explaining how movement decreases anxiety and brings people together. She also explains how movement under certain conditions (outdoors or with music) get people to not only move better but feel better.

If I am ever set to a desk again, I will always keep finding a way to move. I remember how constantly sitting at desks made me depressed and feel like I was throwing my life away. Any form of movement will feel as if I am not.

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interesting and inspiring

Loved it. Very interesting and inspiring. Bonus points for mentioning Peloton and Tough Mudder. I wanted to join the groups mentioned.

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Cried multiple times

If you want a reason to feel hopeful and inspired about humans, as well as reinvigorated in exploring your personal joyful movement practice, look no further than this book.

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Joyful listening

I love movement and love to inquire it from all angles.
I love the simple way used to give the reader science’s based information along true stories. I recommend this book to those who still struggle with movement or exercise.
Anyone can find their own joy of movement

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