Exercised by Daniel Lieberman: what critics and readers say
In summary
Exercised (Pantheon, 2021) by Harvard evolutionary biologist Daniel Lieberman argues that humans evolved to be physically active when necessary but to avoid needless exertion, so finding exercise hard is normal, not a moral failing. Kirkus called it a thoughtfully organised natural history but noted it is not a how-to guide.
Key takeaways
- Published by Pantheon in January 2021.
- Author Daniel Lieberman is a professor of human evolutionary biology at Harvard.
- Argues that avoiding unnecessary exertion is natural, and that making exercise enjoyable and social works better than guilt.
- Kirkus praised its organisation and myth-checking; it is not a training manual.
- Examines popular claims about sitting, posture, running and knees.
This review draws on published critic reviews and reader ratings as of October 2026.
The book in brief
Exercised: Why Something We Never Evolved to Do Is Healthy and Rewarding was published by Pantheon on 5 January 2021. Its author, Daniel Lieberman, is a professor of human evolutionary biology at Harvard University and a long-time researcher on the evolution of human physical activity.
His argument is that humans evolved to walk, run, dig and carry when needed, but also to avoid unnecessary effort. Avoiding exercise is therefore normal, not a character flaw. Rather than treating exercise as medicine or a product, he suggests making activity necessary, enjoyable and social. The book also looks at whether you can exercise too much and why activity lowers the risk of common diseases.
What reviewers praised
Kirkus Reviews called it a "thoughtfully organized natural history" in accessible language, crediting Lieberman with using evolution and anthropology to challenge common myths about activity and inactivity. Christian Perring, reviewing it for an online book-review journal, praised the mix of studies, personal stories and history, the cultural sensitivity, and the chapters testing popular claims about posture, standing desks, running and knees, and sleep. He said it prompted him to exercise more, and more varied.
What reviewers criticised
Kirkus noted it is not a practical how-to, suggesting readers who want instructions "hire a trainer". It added that some advice, such as on cardio versus weights for weight loss, may draw disagreement from trainers, and that not every reader will be persuaded by its ideas for making exercise enjoyable. Perring observed that the central lessons are fairly simple; the evidence behind them is what sets the book apart. At over 400 pages, it is a long read.
What the guidance says
The World Health Organization recommends that adults do at least 150 to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity a week, or an equivalent amount of vigorous activity, plus muscle-strengthening activity on two or more days. The book's case for regular, varied movement is consistent with that guidance.
Who it may suit
- May suit: curious readers who want to understand why exercise feels hard and what the evidence says about common fitness beliefs.
- May want something else: anyone looking for a programme to follow; Dubai's free outdoor gyms and community sessions are a practical starting point.
For general information. This review summarises published opinions; it is not an endorsement or medical advice. Read widely and make up your own mind.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main argument of Exercised?
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Sources & references
Medically/editorially reviewed by The Wellbeing Voice Desk · 30 Oct 2026