Sweat
A History of Exercise
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Sweat
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Narrated by:
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Bill Hayes
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Written by:
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Bill Hayes
About this listen
Bloomsbury presents Sweat written and read by Bill Hayes.
'I was riveted by Sweat and its extraordinary tale of the ups and downs of exercise over millennia' Jane Fonda
‘Does what all good history books should do: take the past and make it vastly more human’ The Times
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From the author of Insomniac City 'who can tackle just about any subject in book form, and make you glad he did' (San Francisco Chronicle): a cultural, scientific, literary, and personal history of exercise
Exercise is our modern obsession, and we have the fancy workout gear and fads to prove it. Exercise – a form of physical activity distinct from sports, play, or athletics – was an ancient obsession, too, but as a chapter in human history, it's been largely overlooked. In Sweat, Bill Hayes runs, jogs, swims, spins, walks, bikes, boxes, lifts, sweats, and downward-dogs his way through the origins of different forms of exercise, chronicling how they have evolved over time, and dissecting the dynamics of human movement.
Hippocrates, Plato, Galen, Susan B. Anthony, Jack LaLanne, and Jane Fonda, among many others, make appearances in Sweat, but chief among the historical figures is Girolamo Mercuriale, a Renaissance-era Italian physician who aimed singlehandedly to revive the ancient Greek “art of exercising” through his 1569 book De arte gymnastica. In the pages of Sweat, Mercuriale and his illustrated treatise are vividly brought back to life. asHayes ties his own personal experience to the cultural and scientific history of exercise, from ancient times to the present day, he gives us a new way to understand its place in our lives in the 21st century.
What listeners say about Sweat
Average Customer RatingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Sakkhar Banerjee
- 19-09-24
Sweaty Journey through History!
Bill Hayes' Sweat: A History of Exercise is a captivating exploration of the human body's relationship with physical exertion. From the earliest evidence of exercise in ancient civilizations to the modern fitness craze, Hayes skillfully weaves a narrative that is both informative and engaging.
One of the book's greatest strengths lies in its ability to unearth fascinating details about exercise practices throughout history. Hayes delves into the diverse ways in which people have used physical activity to enhance their health, strength, and performance. Whether it's the ancient Greeks training for the Olympic Games or the medieval knights honing their combat skills, Hayes brings these historical contexts to life with vivid descriptions and compelling anecdotes.
The author's exploration of the evolution of exercise concepts is particularly enlightening. He examines how societal values, cultural beliefs, and technological advancements have shaped our understanding of physical fitness. From the emphasis on physical prowess in ancient societies to the modern obsession with sculpted bodies, Hayes provides a thought-provoking analysis of how our relationship to exercise has changed over time.
In conclusion, Sweat: A History of Exercise is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of health and fitness. Bill Hayes' engaging writing style and meticulous research make this book both informative and entertaining. Whether you're a fitness enthusiast or simply curious about the human body, this book offers a fascinating glimpse into the past and present of exercise.
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