Spark - Libro en Inglés

Spark – John J. Ratey

We all know that exercise makes us feel better, but few of us appreciate just how profoundly it affects the brain. In Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain, Harvard Medical School psychiatrist John J. Ratey, writing with Eric Hagerman, explains the science behind the mind-body connection and makes a compelling case that physical activity is one of the best things we can do for our mental health and cognitive performance.

Ratey draws on a wide range of research to show how aerobic exercise affects the brain at the level of cells and chemicals. He explains how exercise promotes the growth of new brain cells and connections, boosts important brain chemicals and proteins, and helps the brain become more resilient. These effects, he argues, can improve learning, memory and focus, and help reduce stress and anxiety and lift mood.

The book opens with the remarkable story of a school district in Illinois that introduced a fitness-based physical education program, and saw improvements in students’ academic performance. Ratey goes on to explore the role of exercise in managing attention problems, addiction, the hormonal changes women experience and the effects of aging on the brain. He also offers practical recommendations for building exercise into daily life.

Written in an engaging, accessible style, the book combines science with inspiring case studies.

Spark is a motivating read for anyone interested in health, fitness, psychology and education. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment, and readers should consult a doctor before beginning a new exercise program.