MOVE

Using an encouraging coaching tone, Roland urges readers to bolster their health through exercise.

As the writer reminds us from the start, the connection between exercise and better health—mental as well as physical—is well established. Endorsing both individual and team activities for their different benefits, Roland backs the title’s imperative: Just move. Numerous quotations from specialists and also from young people offer expert and peer support. Colorful blocks of text explain key terms, such as mental health, and sidebars highlight meaningful quotes. When scientific language is used, the meaning is clear in context. The author also stresses connections between diet, sleep, and exercise, but his main focus is on how moving can help alleviate, or avoid, suffering from depression, stress, and anxiety (though Roland takes care to note that depression can afflict even professional athletes, and that serious depression requires treatment). Practical suggestions for actually getting exercise occupy almost half the book. Many color photos of active, smiling, racially diverse young people help to sell the idea that exercising is cool and fun. There are no photos of anyone with a visible disability or who’s fat exercising, though obesity is mentioned in the text, as is volunteering with Special Olympics and exercising with disabilities.

A sensible, clear, evidence-backed overview of how and why to exercise.