Fitness as a Deeply Embodied Practice: Philip Shepherd on PYP 563
Channel: Sick to Fit | Plant Yourself Podcast
Date: 2023-08-17

In this episode of the Plant Yourself Podcast, I talk with Philip Shepherd about his new book, Deep Fitness.

We discuss the concept of embodiment, which Philip defines as a state in which "the whole of your intelligence comes into coherence with the present."


From Philip's perspective, the loss of embodiment is at the core of every human problem, from racism to environmental destruction to political discord to inter- and intrapersonal suffering. We can't treat the world, or each other, any better than we treat our own bodies.

It's only through embodiment that we can heal our traumas and create a society in which all belong and are cared for.

So what's the connection between embodiment and working out?

According to Philip, fitness can be the perfect place to practice, experience, and refine embodiment. In an industry that lionizes domination of the body by the mind, he offers an alternate vision: experiencing physical challenges as a body, without the internal struggle that comes from forcing the body to bend to the mind's will.

Not just for spiritual enlightenment; Philip points out that weight training is a huge missing piece in maintaining health as we age, with sacropenia (muscle loss) underpinning just about every chronic disease and loss of vigor.

We also explore Shepherd's workout routine, the benefits of slow and controlled movements, and the potential connection between trembling during workouts and David Berceli's Trauma Release Exercises (TRE).

Enjoy!