The History of Fitness with Daniel Kunitz

Daniel Kunitz, author of Lift

Daniel Kunitz is the author of Lift: Fitness Culture from Naked Greeks and Acrobats to Jazzercise and Ninja Warriors. He has written for numerous publications and is the editor-in-chief of Sculpture magazine. In this interview, we discuss Lift and the cultural history of fitness. Enter the giveaway below to win a copy of … Read more

KineSophy Hall of Fame: Junko Tabei

Junko Tabei at the summit of Mount Everest

This month, KineSophy adds another member to its Hall of Fame: mountain climber, activist and author Junko Tabei. Tabei was the first woman to climb Mount Everest and the Seven Summits, and she did so in the 1970s despite social pressures against women living active lifestyles and pursuing lofty goals. … Read more

Learning to Swim Might Be My Daughter’s Most Important Lesson

A baby learning to swim

Six weeks ago, my wife gave birth to our first child—a baby girl. There are seemingly infinite abilities our daughter needs to develop, starting with lifting her head and tracking moving objects. But as soon as she can, I want her to learn to swim. Learning to swim will make … Read more

2022 Year in Review

Toy cyclist between 2022 and 2023

While the COVID-19 pandemic is still not over, 2022 saw a marked shift away from the practices and media coverage of the previous two years. And this change in focus played out on KineSophy as well. This past year, I returned to the topics that grounded this site in the … Read more

The History of Exercise with Bill Hayes

Bill Hayes, author of Sweat: A History of Exercise

Bill Hayes is the author of Sweat: A History of Exercise, Insomniac City, and How New York Breaks Your Heart, a collection of his street photography, among other books. He is a recipient of the New York City Book Award for How We Live Now: Scenes from the Pandemic, and a Guggenheim Fellowship in … Read more

Hormesis, Exercise and Health

Hormesis, Exercise and Health

“What does not kill me, makes me stronger.” – Friedrich Nietzsche It has been 134 years since the German philosopher wrote those words in his book Twilight of the Idols. Recent scientific findings echo Nietzsche’s sentiments. According to the process of hormesis, certain toxins and physiological stressors can make you … Read more

Acupuncture and Cupping – Part 1: Ancient Medicine or Pseudoscience?

Acupuncture

Note: this article is the first of a two-part series on acupuncture and cupping. You can read Part 2 here: Acupuncture and Cupping – Part 2: Alternative Therapies and the Placebo Effect. At this point, you have likely heard of acupuncture and cupping. Acupuncture was practiced in Asia at least … Read more

Health, Sports and Climate Change

Health, Sports and Climate Change

In 2015, the World Health Organization deemed climate change “the greatest threat to global health in the 21st century.” Unchecked global warming will lead to extreme heat, increased flooding, food and water scarcity and more prevalent disease. It will also impact countless other aspects of our daily lives, including sports … Read more

Butch Phelps on the Brain-Body Connection

Butch Phelps on the Brain-Body Connection

Butch Phelps is the founder of the Stretch ‘n’ Release Technique and The Muscle Repair Shop. He coaches clients to regain the freedom of movement they once had and age more pain-free. He is a Licensed Massage Therapist and holds a bachelor’s degree in aging sciences. His studies have allowed … Read more