Last month, Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy tweeted (X-ed?), “The College Board should add a physical fitness section to the SAT, instead of just math and reading sections. This could mirror the “Presidential Fitness Test” – consisting of a 1-mile run, pull-ups, sit-ups, shuttle run, etc… This is a pro-merit … Read more
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
“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
Seeing exercise as a pointless vicious cycle can establish a barrier to physical performance, health and fitness. But changing your outlook and stepping into such a training loop can turn it into a virtuous cycle of fitness. The Exercycle In the early days of KineSophy, I shared this cartoon satirizing … Read more
KineSophy explores connections between physical fitness and movement and non-physical qualities like intelligence, resilience and overall well-being. Some of these connections are observational—for example, exposing oneself to physical challenges makes a person better equipped to face non-physical challenges. Others are based on scientific research, such as the strong connection between … Read more
In the many years I’ve worked on KineSophy, I have had the privilege to correspond with several luminaries in related fields and read their books about physical fitness, sports, philosophy and society. The following list covers all the books and authors who have appeared on KineSophy, with links to their … Read more
Fitness coaches and personal trainers often get asked, “How much exercise is enough?” As in, “How much work do I need to do in order to meet my health and fitness goals? Is running one mile five days a week enough? Is a calorie deficit of 200 calories per day … Read more
Calling these past several months stressful would be a massive understatement. With COVID-19 infecting people all over the world, government orders to stay inside and avoid human contact, and the potential loss of livelihood and income, everyone’s anxiety level has been ratcheted up several notches. In addition to the obvious … Read more
An injury three days before a big race helped me understand the importance of adaptability. Here’s how physical training can help us improve adaptability and adjust to setbacks in all facets of life. The Setback In 2012, I signed up for a Half-Ironman Triathlon in Branson, Missouri. At the time, … Read more
If you’re reading this article, you likely have some interest in your personal health and fitness. There’s a good chance you even made a fitness-related resolution at the beginning of this year. And if you’re like 80% of people who make such resolutions, you’ve already abandoned your annual fitness goals. … Read more