The Joy of Movement by Kelly McGonigal, PhD

“The Joy of Movement illuminates why we feel most alive when in motion, and how exercise builds social connections, both while we’re working out and during the many hours a day we’re not.”
– Scott Douglas, author of ‘Running Is My Therapy’

A significant number of people have an aversion to exercise, finding it unenjoyable or even burdensome. The idea of engaging in physical activity can be met with resistance, excuses, or a lack of motivation for many individuals. However, ‘The Joy of Movement’ delves into this common perception and seeks to unravel the reasons behind people’s initial reluctance towards exercise.

Renowned for her expertise, she has authored bestsellers like ‘The Willpower Instinct,’ ‘The Upside of Stress,’ and ‘Yoga for Pain Relief,’ resonating with audiences worldwide as her works have been translated into twenty-eight languages. Furthermore, since the year 2000, she has been actively involved in teaching dance, yoga, and group exercise in the vibrant San Francisco Bay Area.

Kelly McGonigal’s work reveals that exercise doesn’t have to be boring; instead, it can bring joy and vitality while benefiting our health and longevity. Using a mix of scientific research and engaging stories, McGonigal explains how movement connects to fundamental human joys like self-expression, social bonding, and mastery. She argues that physical activity is a powerful remedy for modern issues like depression, anxiety, and loneliness.

The author shares inspiring tales of individuals who have discovered fulfilment and a sense of belonging through various forms of movement, from running and walking to dancing, swimming, weightlifting, and beyond. These stories span the globe, encompassing experiences from the last hunter-gatherer tribes in Tanzania to dance classes at Juilliard tailored for those with Parkinson’s disease. Whether it’s the streets of London, where fitness intertwines with community service or the unforgiving terrains of remote wilderness races where human endurance is pushed to its limits, the examples offered underscore the power of movement in shaping human nature, evoking hope, cooperation, and transcendence.

The narrative highlights movement as an essential part of happiness and human nature. By the end, listeners are encouraged to embrace movement in their lives, using it to create happiness, meaning, and connections with others.

The book emphasises that exercise and physical activity can be a source of joy, pleasure, and energy, challenging the notion that it must be a mundane or burdensome task. McGonigal highlights the profound connections between movement and fundamental human joys, including self-expression, social bonding, and mastery. Engaging in physical activities can positively impact emotional well-being and happiness.

The book presents movement as a powerful remedy for contemporary issues like depression, anxiety, and loneliness, providing a way to cope with and overcome these challenges. Through inspiring anecdotes from individuals worldwide, the book demonstrates how people have found a sense of belonging through various forms of movement, such as running, dancing, swimming, and more.

The author explores the parallels between exercise and addiction, revealing how physical activity can be rewarding and habit-forming. Studies show that exercise affects the brain’s reward system, triggering the release of dopamine and other neurotransmitters, similar to addictive substances. Over time, regular exercise can lead to changes in the brain that make people crave and prioritise physical activity. However, unlike immediate addictions to drugs, exercise addiction develops gradually. Physical activity harnesses the brain’s ability to learn from experience, creating a slow and rewarding transformation. This book sheds light on the positive impact of exercise on the brain and its potential to become a fulfilling and lasting habit.

The initial feelings about a new exercise may not reflect how one feels with more experience. For many, exercise becomes a pleasure that unfolds gradually as the body and mind adapt. People often discover unexpected joys in activities they previously disliked. Some find the right activity at the right time, others connect with movements that feel natural to their bodies. Even those who think they dislike exercise may be transformed into enthusiasts with the right dosage, type, or community. Age is no barrier; people can become devoted exercisers later in life, finding newfound passion and accomplishments.

The book goes beyond the physical benefits of exercise and advocates a holistic approach to health, recognising the importance of emotional, social, and psychological well-being that movement can foster. The ‘The Joy of Movement’ also paints a portrait of human nature, highlighting our capacity for hope, cooperation, and self-transcendence through physical activity.

• Dedication
• Introduction

Strengths

Weaknesses

“Physical activity can be mind-altering, affecting the same neurotransmitter systems as drugs like cannabis and cocaine.”

“Spending time outdoors can also calm an agitated mind. The emotions we are most likely to feel in nature – wonder, awe, curiosity, hope – are natural antidotes to worry, distraction, and depression.”

“How you feel the first time you try a new form of exercise is not necessarily how you’ll feel after you gain more experience. For many, exercise is an acquired pleasure. The joys of an activity reveal themselves slowly as the body and brain adapt.”

Where to buy

You can buy ‘The Joy of Movement’ on Amazon, where it’s available in paperback, audio and Kindle formats.

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