Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain [Paperback]

 

 

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I've read a lot about the brain in the last decade, and I thought this book was the most helpful summary I've seen of what to do differently. The thinking person is the person who aerobically exercises regularly.

Spark is an excellent summary of the brain research during the last decade or so that has added to our knowledge of how regular aerobic exercise stimulates better and more effective mental activity. Dr. Ratey considers the impact of such exercise on school-age children . . . and adults with stress, anxiety, depression, attention deficits, hormonal changes, and aging bodies. He also recommends a general exercise regime that seems to optimize what we know today from these studies.

The essence of the book can be found in the observation that optimal brain functioning requires plenty of blood, the right nutrients, a balance of body chemicals designed to help the brain operate, and an ability to grow new cells and connections in the brain. Each of these elements is helped by regular aerobic exercise. The results are often measurable within a few weeks.

So if you thought that aerobic exercise was simply about looking and feeling good, you're wrong. It's also about thinking well and being able to learn. There are longevity and other quality of life benefits as well . . . including reduced incidence of disease and less chance of dementia.

The book also explores that you don't have to do a tremendous amount of exercise to get most of the benefits.

With Eric Hagerman, John Ratey has written a book in which he explains -- in layman's terms (to the extent that is possible) -- how physical exercise can "supercharge [provide a `spark' to] mental circuits to avoid or overcome stress, sharpen thinking, lift mood, increase memory...and much more." Obviously, these are all highly desirable results to achieve. Alas, many children as well as adults are out of (physical) shape, do not eat properly, and continue under severe stress to meet their obligations. The implications of what Ratey explains and recommends should be of special interest to young adults, their parents, school administrators, teachers, and coaches as well as to business executives who are responsible for the performance of those whom they supervise.

Here are some of the questions to which he responds:

What are some of the most common misconceptions about "the brain-body connection"?

What in fact is true?

How can aerobic exercise physically remodel our brains for peak performance?

Why is physical exercise the best defense against addiction, aggression, ADD, menopause, and even Alzheimer's?

What are the most significant revelations of a fitness program sponsored by the Naperville (IL) public school district in which more than 19,000 children participated?

Why should such a program (with necessary modifications) be made available to other school children?

In the absence of such a program, what can parents do to increase their children's physical exercise? What sacrifices (if any) must be made to accomplish that?

At a minimum, how frequently should we exercise...and for how long?

What are the benefits to be gained even from minimal exercise?

All of Ratey's observations and recommendations are research-driven, supplemented by his own personal experiences. He seems to be on a mission (one that is commendable) to do everything he possibly can to broaden and deepen public awareness of the consequences of obesity, lethargy, and indolence but also, more to the point, to provide reassurance that even a modest increase in physical exercise can have substantial benefits, not only in terms of improved health but also increased achievement and consequent pride in the classroom as well as in the workplace...indeed in every realm of human life.

Those who share my high regard for this book are urged to check out Ratey's A User's Guide to the Brain: Perception, Attention, and the Four Theaters of the Brain and John Medina's Brain Rules: 12 Principles for Surviving and Thriving at Work, Home, and School (Book & DVD). It is worth noting that everything that Ratey recommends is consistent with the various "rules" that Medina identifies and discusses, notably #1 ("Exercise boosts brain power"), #7 ("Sleep well, think well"), #8 ("Stressed brains don't learn the same way"), #9 ("Stimulate more of the senses"), and #12 ("We are all natural explorers"). How simple it seems: Eat right and get lots of exercise and sufficient rest. If you do, you will reduce stress and nourish your curiosity. To many of us, the obvious is often invisible until we are enlightened by others such as John Ratey and John Medina.

This book is for people who don't exercise. I found it very inspirational and it finally motivated me to start exercising again after a two year hiatus. It provides insights on the brain and it's inner working, expect some insights into: what happens to the brain when your lifestyle is stagnant? and what happens to it after you start exercising? Finally, the author clearly states exactly what you will have to do for maximum benefits. I highly recommend it to everyone, especially young students or young adults especially those struggling with anxiety.

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5.0 out of 5 stars Eye Opening
I bought this book for my dad for Christmas a couple years ago, to encourage his New Year's resolutions regarding exercising more. Read more

Published 18 months ago by Kieran Fox

5.0 out of 5 stars We're Animals After All
John Ratey brings us convincing and useful research findings about the absolute necessity for exercise in our lives. Read more

Published 22 months ago by Mqry Armstrong

5.0 out of 5 stars Examining the value of activity in society
Dr. Ratey, a psychiatrist in the U.S., have written a powerful book outlining why exercise is crucial for well-being. Read more

Published on April 10 2010 by Kris Head

4.0 out of 5 stars Do everything right!
You have to look after your own life and if you have one of the Bipolar Depression Spectrum disorders with a couple of nasty comorbidities you are going to to everything you can... Read more

Published on Jan 21 2010 by Mike Johnson

5.0 out of 5 stars Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain
Read it in two days. Maybe a bit long drawn at times but it certainly kept my interest till the end. Read more

Published on Jun 21 2009 by OLE GERMER

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