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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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Spark summary
John J. Ratey
Eric Hagerman
The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain
12 mins
Brief summary
In 'Spark', authors John J. Ratey and Eric Hagerman explain how exercise can optimize cognitive performance, improve memory, and boost mood. The book provides evidence-based insights into how physical activity benefits the brain and offers practical advice for getting moving.
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Spark
Summary of 5 key ideas
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Key idea 1 of 5
Exercising is not only good for your body but also is good for your brain.
You know that you can tone your muscles by lifting weights. But did you know that your brain is also a malleable organ that gets stronger with use?
Think of your brain as just another big muscle – which means that if you keep your brain active, it will get stronger.
Every time you learn something new, the cells in your brain forge stronger connections to process the new information. But what’s even more fantastic is that physical exercise also helps facilitate this connection process, prepping your brain to learn even more.
But wait a second – how does physical exercise help the brain learn?
Exercise works to boost the brain’s infrastructure, or its ability to create the connections you need to learn. In part, this happens because exercise leads to an increase in the levels of important neurotransmitters that foster connections in the brain, like dopamine and serotonin.
But exercise also physically changes your brain cells, too.
When you work your muscles, these organs produce a specific type of protein known as growth factors. These proteins travel to the brain, where they make brain cells more capable of connecting. Growth factors also supply the building blocks for new brain cells and connections.
And the icing on the cake is that dopamine and serotonin, neurotransmitters that are released as you exercise, also sharpen your focus while improving your mood and motivation.
Thus the more you exercise, the better your brain’s ability to learn!
At Naperville Central High School, many students were struggling with English literacy and were required to attend extra lessons to improve reading comprehension. The school decided to explore the effects of exercise on learning and required that one group perform vigorous exercises right before class.
This exercise program, called Zero Hour PE, improved the group’s reading comprehension by 17 percent – while classmates who didn’t exercise improved only by 10.7 percent.
So clearly, exercise can help boost your brain’s capabilities, but that’s just one of the many benefits of exercise. Next you’ll learn about how exercise alleviates stress.
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What is Spark about?
Spark (2008) reveals the ways in which exercise improves your health and even your ability to learn, think clearly and cope with stress. These blinks offer real-life examples plus scientific research to explain the innumerable benefits of physical activity and the fundamental connections between body and mind.
Spark Review
Spark (2008) explores the connection between exercise and the brain, making a convincing case for the transformative power of physical activity. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- By revealing scientific evidence of exercise's positive impact on the brain, it offers a compelling argument for incorporating physical activity into our daily routines.
- Through real-life stories and case studies, the book illustrates how exercise has been used successfully to treat conditions such as ADHD, anxiety, and depression.
- With its engaging and informative approach, Spark encourages us to prioritize exercise and highlights how it can enhance our cognition, mood, and overall well-being.
Best quote from Spark
To keep our brains at peak performance, our bodies need to work hard.
—John J. Ratey & Eric Hagerman
Who should read Spark?
- Anyone who wants to maintain a healthy lifestyle
- Students of medicine, health care or dietary science
- People curious about the mind-body connection
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Spark FAQs
What is the main message of Spark?
The main message of Spark is that exercise has a profound impact on our brain health and overall well-being.
How long does it take to read Spark?
The reading time for Spark varies depending on the reader's speed, but it typically takes several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Spark a good book? Is it worth reading?
Spark is a compelling read that highlights the powerful connection between physical activity and mental health. It's definitely worth exploring.
Who is the author of Spark?
The authors of Spark are John J. Ratey and Eric Hagerman.
What to read after Spark?
If you're wondering what to read next after Spark, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Exercised by Daniel E. Lieberman
- The Joy of Movement by Kelly McGonigal
- The Story of the Human Body by Daniel Lieberman
- Master Your Core by Bohdanna Zazulak
- Eat It! by Jordan Syatt and Michael Vacanti
- Move! by Caroline Williams
- Jog On by Bella Mackie
- LIT by Jeff Karp
- Reversing Alzheimer's by Heather Sandison
- Difficult Conversations Don't Have to Be Difficult by Jon Gordon & Amy P. Kelly