Movement Matters

“Movement Matters is a delight to read and will help every family. Its implications extend far beyond our individual lives.”—Richard Louv, author of Last Child in the Woods and Vitamin N

"Tying together ecological sustainability and modern lifestyles, this book focuses on the science of moving in healthy ways as a means of healing both the earth and the individual. Its heavy emphasis on healthy living generates a necessary bridge between personal well-being and the well-being of the whole environment, and is yet another strong voice in the general call for more active, mindful lifestyle choices. Bowman, a biomechanist, does a fine job communicating the hidden significance of everyday acts, such as walking, sitting, and buying prepared food, in digestible sound bites. This is no dense academic treatise; it is written specifically to appeal to the average person, actively acknowledging commonly asked questions about activity and exercise. Movement Matters is a continuation in a popular trend toward a holistic approach to health and ecology. Ideal for nutritionists, fitness experts, and anyone seeking an all-around healthier lifestyle."—Foreword Reviews

"This book is for thinkers...A gem for the modern yoga teacher."—Shut Up & Yoga

"In Movement Matters you’ll find radical new clarity on how to fulfill [your role in the ecosystem] in a meaningful way. Do not expect a list of exercises or go-to movements. Expect to shift your perspective. Don’t expect an easy read. Expect an engrossing one, one that will leave you not only a better “mover,” but a better human animal."—Breaking Muscle 

"With Movement Matters, Katy Bowman has produced a thoughtful—and radical—treatise that is a must-read for those interested in their personal health…and the health of the body politic and planet. A stellar read."—Rose Hayden-Smith, author of Sowing the Seeds of Victory: American Gardening Programs of World War I

"Everyone should read this book."—Paleo Magazine

"I’ve spent almost twenty years talking to people about food and specifically why good food matters. I’ve made my case using biology and ecology, talking about our hunter-gatherer past. What I missed is all the movement that went into not just our food but also our lives. This is why movement matters—and fortunately for you, Katy Bowman has tackled this topic in a way that has never been done before."—Robb Wolf, author of The Paleo Solution

"Perfect for the person who can’t sit still!"—National Outdoor Leadership School, from their list of “10 Favorite Books About Leadership By Women”

Katy Bowman is one of the world’s leading experts on the ecology of human movement. She offers a timely and fascinating collection of essays that are designed to inspire a movement-based lifestyle—essential for our long-term survival as adaptive humans. A must-read for anyone who cares about their health."—Angela Hanscom, author of Balanced and Barefoot

"What a breath of fresh air! Katy Bowman, like her books, oozes originality and intelligence. In Movement Matters, she makes readers see how movement isn’t something you do—it’s something you are…The world, the fitness industry, and those of you at home aspiring for well-being will really benefit from Katy’s life-enhancing information."—Ellen Barrett, author of The 28 Days Lighter Diet

"[Bowman’s] insights are empowering and enlightening."—Erwan Le Corre, founder of MovNat, author of The Practice of Natural Movement

"This gorgeous book opens the door to a new way of thinking and being. Katy teaches us how each movement, no matter how small it may seem, matters. You can’t help but want to become more active in every aspect of your life."—Kristin Meekhof, author of A Widow’s Guide to Healing

"One of the unfortunate side effects of living in complex, modern societies is the distance we create from the natural world, leading us to forget how to live better with less and by keeping active. In her quest to resurrect this lost knowledge, Katy Bowman provides us with a survival roadmap to reclaim personal quality of life and a sustainable future for all. A must-read for anyone interested in living a happy, productive life on a habitable planet."—Jason Lewis, author of The Expedition series

"In Movement Matters, Katy Bowman has taken a large and complex topic and made it more than just fathomable—the essays are an enjoyable exploration of movement and other features of human health viewed from a unique perspective."—Arthur Haines, author of A New Path