Fitness in Philosophy | Podcast on RSS.com

Fitness in Philosophy

Fitness in Philosophy

by James Fitzgerald and Robby Gustin

Fitness Philosophy

Season 5

What is Fitness? (Revisited) Part 3

In this episode, which is part 3 of a 3 part series, James and Robby revisit the question that started it all: What is fitness? They discuss and debate the 7 main theses about fitness listed below Thesis 1: Defining fitness in the abstract is not that difficult. The real or the major question relates to how we implement fitness today Thesis 2: Fitness is not just solely a means to an end (like money) nor is it a pure end in itself (like happiness) Thesis 3: The environment is the central determining factor in the participation of the fitness, and this has massive implications for what we should do going forward in the present day world Thesis 4: The environment of hyperabundance is not going away, and it’s only increasing Thesis 5: The principles of fitness need to reinterpreted in every age and era, including ours, in a way that makes them accessible in our actual lived situation. Thesis 6: While certain forms of fitness as practiced today could be considered folly, there are plenty of forms of fitness today that are not folly. Furthermore, this may be the very first time in human history that the choice to engage in fitness involves any sort of virtue. ·Thesis 7: Fitness is necessary but not sufficient for an optimal life, especially in the modern world If you like the show, please leave us a review. They really do help. Have any thoughts, comments or questions? You can email us at fitnessinphilosophy@gmail.com Want to purchase Fitness in Philosophy T-Shirts? You can purchase them from the following link. https://www.teepublic.com/user/fitness-in-philosophy·

What is Fitness? (Revisited) Part 2

In this episode, which is part 2 of a 3 part series, James and Robby revisit the question that started it all: What is fitness? They discuss and debate the 7 main theses about fitness listed below Thesis 1: Defining fitness in the abstract is not that difficult. The real or the major question relates to how we implement fitness today Thesis 2: Fitness is not just solely a means to an end (like money) nor is it a pure end in itself (like happiness) Thesis 3: The environment is the central determining factor in the participation of the fitness, and this has massive implications for what we should do going forward in the present day world Thesis 4: The environment of hyperabundance is not going away, and it’s only increasing Thesis 5: The principles of fitness need to reinterpreted in every age and era, including ours, in a way that makes them accessible in our actual lived situation. Thesis 6: While certain forms of fitness as practiced today could be considered folly, there are plenty of forms of fitness today that are not folly. Furthermore, this may be the very first time in human history that the choice to engage in fitness involves any sort of virtue. ·Thesis 7: Fitness is necessary but not sufficient for an optimal life, especially in the modern world If you like the show, please leave us a review. They really do help. Have any thoughts, comments or questions? You can email us at fitnessinphilosophy@gmail.com Want to purchase Fitness in Philosophy T-Shirts? You can purchase them from the following link. https://www.teepublic.com/user/fitness-in-philosophy·

What is Fitness (Revisited)? Part 1

In this episode, which is part 1 of a 3 part series, James and Robby revisit the question that started it all: What is fitness? They discuss and debate the 7 main theses about fitness listed below Thesis 1: Defining fitness in the abstract is not that difficult. The real or the major question relates to how we implement fitness today Thesis 2: Fitness is not just solely a means to an end (like money) nor is it a pure end in itself (like happiness) Thesis 3: The environment is the central determining factor in the participation of the fitness, and this has massive implications for what we should do going forward in the present day world Thesis 4: The environment of hyperabundance is not going away, and it’s only increasing Thesis 5: The principles of fitness need to reinterpreted in every age and era, including ours, in a way that makes them accessible in our actual lived situation. Thesis 6: While certain forms of fitness as practiced today could be considered folly, there are plenty of forms of fitness today that are not folly. Furthermore, this may be the very first time in human history that the choice to engage in fitness involves any sort of virtue. ·Thesis 7: Fitness is necessary but not sufficient for an optimal life, especially in the modern world If you like the show, please leave us a review. They really do help. Have any thoughts, comments or questions? You can email us at fitnessinphilosophy@gmail.com Want to purchase Fitness in Philosophy T-Shirts? You can purchase them from the following link. https://www.teepublic.com/user/fitness-in-philosophy·

Inspiration and Fitness

In this episode, James and Robby dive deep into the connection between fitness and inspiration. Inspiration is defined as the excitement of the mind or emotions, driving individuals from apathy to possibility and awakening new opportunities. It transcends ordinary experiences and fuels creativity, intrinsic motivation, and a deeper sense of purpose. The discussion focuses on three core characteristics of inspiration: evocation (spontaneous arousal), transcendence (expanding possibilities), and approach motivation (the drive to bring inspired ideas to life). Inspired people are often more open to new experiences, deeply engaged in their tasks, and motivated from within. Inspiration is linked to spirituality and meaning, often triggered by external sources like nature or other people. The podcast then shifts to the role of inspiration in fitness. It critiques the unrealistic standards set by figures like LeBron James and Tom Brady, which may not be sustainable for most people. Instead, it emphasizes the importance of drawing inspiration from long-term, achievable fitness goals, highlighting the need for inspiration in today’s environment, where physical activity is no longer required. The episode concludes by reflecting on the role of inspiration in fitness, urging a shift toward authentic, empowering stories over superficial trends. If you like the show, please leave us a review. They really do help. Have any thoughts, comments or questions? You can email us at fitnessinphilosophy@gmail.com Want to purchase Fitness in Philosophy T-Shirts? You can purchase them from the following link. https://www.teepublic.com/user/fitness-in-philosophy·

Needs, Wants, and Fitness

In this episode, we dive into the complex relationship between needs and wants, especially in the context of fitness and health. By exploring various philosophical perspectives, we examine how "need" can mean different things—from survival necessities to living an optimal life. Drawing from Kantian ethics, we pose the thought-provoking idea that a life focused only on needs is empty, while a life centered solely on wants is blind. We also explore the tension between biological needs and desires, discussing how lower-order wants (like junk food or laziness) clash with higher-order needs (such as genuine relaxation and social connection). Using insights from Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and Maslow’s hierarchy, we consider how balancing both needs and wants is crucial for a fulfilling life—especially in the modern world, where survival no longer demands physical exertion but emotional and psychological fulfillment still does.

Equality and Fitness Part 2

In this Part 2, James and Robby continue their discussion about the connection between equality and fitness. They discuss issues and questions like the following: -Biology is inherently unfair and unequal. For example: · A biological man could have a child at age 60 or 70 (not ideal but possible) should he choose where the that is not a possibility for biological women · A biological male cannot get pregnant or give birth to a child · A biological male has more absolute strength potential than a biological female Should we change or alter things in society to accommodate these facts? If we gain the ability, perhaps in the next 100 years, should we CRISPR to change our underlying biology (e.g., women and men have the same time to have kids) Is the fact that we can’t change our biology based on current social mores a bad thing? How should we try to remedy the fact that there is both unequal access to fitness and unequal knowledge of what needs to be done to live a fit and healthy life? What should we do in response to the fact physical fitness is not equal? (For example, someone who is 6'6 will be much better naturally at swimming, rowing, and basketball for example) If you like the show, please leave us a review. They really do help. Have any thoughts, comments or questions? You can email us at fitnessinphilosophy@gmail.com Want to purchase Fitness in Philosophy T-Shirts? You can purchase them from the following link. https://www.teepublic.com/user/fitness-in-philosophy·

Equality and Fitness Part 1

In this episode James and Robby discuss the connection between equality and fitness. They discuss issues and questions like the following: -Biology is inherently unfair and unequal. For example: · A biological man could have a child at age 60 or 70 (not ideal but possible) should he choose where the that is not a possibility for biological women · A biological male cannot get pregnant or give birth to a child · A biological male has more absolute strength potential than a biological female Should we change or alter things in society to accommodate these facts? If we gain the ability, perhaps in the next 100 years, should we CRISPR to change our underlying biology (e.g., women and men have the same time to have kids) Is the fact that we can’t change our biology based on current social mores a bad thing? How should we try to remedy the fact that there is both unequal access to fitness and unequal knowledge of what needs to be done to live a fit and healthy life? What should we do in response to the fact physical fitness is not equal? (For example, someone who is 6'6 will be much better naturally at swimming, rowing, and basketball for example) If you like the show, please leave us a review. They really do help. Have any thoughts, comments or questions? You can email us at fitnessinphilosophy@gmail.com Want to purchase Fitness in Philosophy T-Shirts? You can purchase them from the following link. https://www.teepublic.com/user/fitness-in-philosophy·

Tolerance and Fitness

In this episode James and Robby discuss the connection between the concept of tolerance and fitness. At base level, tolerance is defined as: showing willingness to allow the existence of opinions or behaviors that one does not necessarily agree with So, how does this relate to fitness/health? There are so many fitness and nutrition fads, cleanses and programs that are money making-schemes, false or outright harmful. What are our responsibilities as fitness professionals to tolerate things with which we disagree? For example, say a fitness client wants to do a 1000 calorie a day diet, but you know that would be harmful. Should you "tolerate" them doing it to let them learn their lesson about how 1000 calories a day is not the right approach long-term? Should we tolerate the existence of fast food, candy bars, and soda even though we know they are objectively bad for our health? Is there a higher good to tolerating fitness practices you disagree with to allow for a variety and diversity of ways of approaching fitness and health? What sorts of actions can and should we take against things we disagree with in the health and fitness realms? Take pickeball and ebikes for example. If we think these are true examples of the erosion of physical fitness how best to we go about combatting them while still tolerating their existence legally? If you like the show, please leave us a review. They really do help. Have any thoughts, comments or questions? You can email us at fitnessinphilosophy@gmail.com Want to purchase Fitness in Philosophy T-Shirts? You can purchase them from the following link. https://www.teepublic.com/user/fitness-in-philosophy·

Ignorance and Fitness Part 2

In this episode, James and Robby continue their discussion regarding the connection between ignorance and fitness. In philosophy there is a very antagonistic relationship to ignorance. Philosophy (and science) are attempts in many ways eradicate as much ignorance as possible for as many people as possible Different philosophical takes on ignorance include -The unexamined life is not worth living (Socrates) -Neither is the examined one (MacIntyre-in response to Socrates) -Better to be Socrates unsatisfied than an (ignorant) pig satisfied (Mill) -“Ignorance more frequently begets confidence than does knowledge.” - Charles Darwin But when it comes to fitness one has to ask what role ignorance should or should not play in it? James and Robby ask and attempt to answer the following questions. Does one need to have special knowledge (e.g., exercise science) to engage in fitness practices? Can someone legitimately claim ignorance today about the factors that lead to optimal health and fitness today? How does the claim that the unexamined life is not worth living apply to the life of fitness in particular? How can/should ignorance be combatted in the modern world when it comes to fitness and health? What responsibility do we have as fitness individuals to educate ourselves (eliminate ignorance) about proper fitness and health practices when those things are no longer our birthright?

Humility and Fitness

In this episode James and Robby explore the connection between humility and fitness. Humility is an admission of one's own limitations. Fitness, by its very nature involves encountering one's own limitations in the physical world. For example if someone can't do a pull-up or run 3 miles continuously that typically involves them eating a slice of humble-pie, in a good way. In this episode they ask and try to answer the following questions about humility and its connection with fitness. -Is fitness a means of achieving or furthering the virtue of humility in one’s own life? -How does fitness teach humility? -What are similarities and differences between physical humility (humility about one’s own physical capabilities) and intellectual humility? - Every profession has its own share of arrogant jerks, but where does the fitness industry as a whole sit on the continuum of humility? -How has social media and its gigantic intersection with fitness in the past 13 years affected the humility of fitness individuals and fitness coaches? If you like the show, please leave us a review. They really do help. Have any thoughts, comments or questions? You can email us at fitnessinphilosophy@gmail.com Want to purchase Fitness in Philosophy T-Shirts? You can purchase them from the following link. https://www.teepublic.com/user/fitness-in-philosophy·

1 of 8