Daniel Lieberman

Exercised: Why Something We Never Evolved to Do is Healthy and Rewarding by Daniel Lieberman is a thought-provoking exploration of the human need for physical activity. In this book, Lieberman challenges the predominant view that exercise is a modern phenomenon by providing evidence to show that the human body has evolved to require and benefit from regular physical activity. He delves into the evolutionary history of Homo sapiens, examining how our ancestors' active lifestyles influenced our biology and why exercise is vital for our overall health and well-being.

Key Points / Ideas

Lieberman's main argument centers around the fact that our sedentary modern lifestyle is at odds with our evolutionary past. He contends that people are not designed to be sedentary and that our bodies require physical exertion to function optimally. To support this argument, Lieberman highlights several key points:

1. The "mismatch" theory: Lieberman introduces the concept of "mismatch," which explains the negative effects of our sedentary lifestyle on our health. Many chronic diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity, can be attributed to this mismatch between our evolutionary biology and our current environment.

2. The benefits of exercise: Lieberman emphasizes the various ways in which exercise positively affects our bodies and minds. He explores how physical activity contributes to better cardiovascular health, improved brain function, reduced stress, enhanced sleep quality, and increased lifespan.

3. Evolutionary evidence: The author examines our evolutionary history to understand why physical activity is integral to our well-being. He demonstrates that our ancestors were highly active and that our bodies have adapted to a physically demanding lifestyle. From the structure of our muscles and bones to the functioning of our cardiovascular system, we are built for movement.

4. Exercise as a natural reward: Lieberman explains that our bodies are wired to release feel-good chemicals, such as endorphins, when we engage in physical activity. These natural rewards motivate us to exercise, making it an inherently enjoyable and rewarding experience.

Lieberman supports his arguments with a wealth of evidence from various disciplines, including anthropology, physiology, and evolutionary biology. He presents studies and experiments that illustrate the benefits of exercise and how it positively impacts our physical and mental health. For example, he explores research on the effects of exercise on brain plasticity and cognitive function, providing compelling evidence for the cognitive benefits of regular physical activity.

Conclusion

Exercised by Daniel Lieberman presents a compelling argument for the importance of physical activity in our lives. By examining our evolutionary history and the vast array of scientific research available, Lieberman highlights how exercise is integral to our overall well-being. He challenges the notion that exercise is a modern invention or a punishment and encourages readers to embrace physical activity as a natural and rewarding part of being human.

This book is highly recommended for anyone interested in understanding the evolutionary basis of human physical activity and the profound benefits it brings. It serves as a wake-up call, reminding us that our sedentary lifestyles are detrimental to our health and that we need to prioritize movement in our daily lives. For further readings on this topic, similar books include "Born to Run" by Christopher McDougall and "The Story of the Human Body" by Daniel E. Lieberman himself.