Book cover of The Joy of Movement: How Exercise Helps Us Find Happiness, Hope, Connection, and Courage

Book description

Now in paperback. The bestselling author of The Willpower Instinct introduces a surprising science-based book that doesn't tell us why we should exercise but instead shows us how to fall in love with movement.

Exercise is health-enhancing and life-extending, yet many of us feel it's a chore. But, as Kelly…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

2 authors picked The Joy of Movement as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

I don’t know about you, but I’ve always had a rather complicated relationship with exercise.

It always felt like something I was *supposed* to do and as a person who’s never been particularly athletic, I just didn’t like it. Until I read The Joy of Movement. This is a love letter to exercise. And it’s all based in science. McGonigal is an absolute whiz at making research interesting and accessible.

By the end, I finally found my joy in movement and now I look forward to exercising most days of the week!

One of my favorite stress-relievers is physical activity, and I’ve always relied on movement—going for a walk, dancing, practicing yoga—as an effective, enjoyable way to ease tension and boost my mood. Like me, Kelly McGonigal writes, “Exercise has, at various times in my life rescued me from isolation and despair, fostered courage and hope, reminded me how to experience joy and given me a place to belong.” Yet even though exercise is health-enhancing and life-extending, she notes that many people find it a chore. Using cutting-edge science and engaging storytelling, McGonigal explains why movement is essential for health and happiness.…

From Carol's list on for stress relief.

If you love The Joy of Movement...

Ad

Book cover of December on 5C4

December on 5C4 by Adam Strassberg,

Magical realism meets the magic of Christmas in this mix of Jewish, New Testament, and Santa stories–all reenacted in an urban psychiatric hospital!

On locked ward 5C4, Josh, a patient with many similarities to Jesus, is hospitalized concurrently with Nick, a patient with many similarities to Santa. The two argue…

Want books like The Joy of Movement?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 57 books like The Joy of Movement.

Browse books like The Joy of Movement

Book cover of Peace is Every Step: The Path of Mindfulness in Everyday Life
Book cover of Relax and Renew: Restful Yoga for Stressful Times
Book cover of Yoga Nidra: A Meditative Practice for Deep Relaxation and Healing

Share your top 3 reads of 2025!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,278

readers submitted
so far, will you?

Ad

📚 If you like The Joy of Movement, you might also like...

Book cover of The Bridge: Connecting The Powers of Linear and Circular Thinking

The Bridge by Kim Hudson,

The Bridge provides a compassionate and well researched window into the worlds of linear and circular thinking. A core pattern to the inner workings of these two thinking styles is revealed, and most importantly, insight into how to cross the distance between them. Some fascinating features emerged such as, circular…

Book cover of And Then They Were Gone: Teenagers of Peoples Temple from High School to Jonestown

And Then They Were Gone by Ron Cabral,

Of the 918 Americans who died in the shocking murder-suicides of November 18, 1978, in the tiny South American country of Guyana, a third were under eighteen. More than half were in their twenties or younger.

The authors taught in a small high school in San Francisco where Reverend Jim…

5 book lists we think you will like!