Gretchen Reynolds delves into the remarkable benefits of exercise in her book The First Twenty Minutes: Surprising Science Reveals How We Can: Exercise Better, Train Smarter, Live Longer.

Maybe it’s because Reynolds was an English major and she’s a runner, but I love her writing style.  Unlike many research texts, Reynolds’ synopsis of scientific research is witty, profound, and inspiring. I always knew that running enables me to think more clearly, and I attributed it to being away from distractions and to increased oxygen to my brain. Reynolds sites more reasons to get off the couch than I ever imagined, and her book is incredibly self-affirming for runners, swimmers, dog walkers, and gardeners. I better get moving.