Kelly McGonigal, Ph.D., is a research psychologist, a lecturer at Stanford University, and an award-winning science writer. She is the author of the international bestseller The Willpower Instinct, The Upside of Stress, and Yoga for Pain Relief. Her work has been published in twenty-eight languages. Since 2000, she has taught dance, yoga, and group exercise in the San Francisco Bay Area.
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, bestselling author of Peak Performance and The Passion Paradox; columnist at Outside Magazine As someone who has long believed that we were born to run, I was fascinated by Kelly McGonigal's account of a much broader truth: We were born to move. Threading together unexpected insights from neuroscience, evolutionary biology, philosophy, and more, The Joy of Movement makes a compelling scientific case for the role of exercise in promoting pleasure, social connection, and hope.--Alex Hutchinson, New York Times-bestselling author of Endure: Mind, Body, and the Curiously Elastic Limits of Human Performance I love this book. Kelly McGonigal brings us to the cutting edge of exercise neuroscience that greatly expands our understanding.--John J. Ratey, MD, author of SPARK: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain, and Associate Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School This book reminded me that no matter what injuries or obstacles I have to overcome, I can always find joy in movement, and I am stronger than I realize!--Jessie Graff, American Ninja Warrior competitor and Action Icon Award Stuntwoman of the Year