Is the ‘Dumb Jock’ Really a Nerd?

Let’s Get Psychophysical – Newsletter #19

Welcome to Let’s Get Psychophysical, a newsletter about mind-body techniques, self-experimentation, and psychophysical education.

Each week I share 5 things to help you bridge the gap between psychology and physiology.

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1. QUOTE

Mens sana in corpore sano
– Roman proverb

[‘A sound mind in a sound body’, usually translated as "a healthy mind in a healthy body"]

I like this phrase… but it still implies the body and mind are separate, that the body is just a vehicle you need to maintain so it can drive around your mind, and that they must trained in different ways, at different times.

Yes you can train the body (physical culture.) Yes you can train the mind (intellectual culture.) But you can also train both at the same time (psychophysical culture.)

2. ARTICLE

Here is an article by John W Krakauer, an interesting (and non-reductionist) neurologist & neuroscientist whose research aligns well with my own practical work.

Apologies for linking to the NY Times ‘toiletpaper of record,’ but it’s short, fun to read… and of course I wanted to steal their title for my newsletter.

Is the ‘Dumb Jock’ Really a Nerd?

“Neuroscience has not vindicated the cultural distinction between practical and theoretical activities.”

“For any given skill, it’s an open question as to how much knowledge is needed to acquire it and improve significantly. Skilled football players and cabinetmakers possess a large amount of complex knowledge about these activities, which accumulates over time and contributes to success. That someone can master such a complex knowledge base for these “practical” skills suggests that they could also be successful at activities that are considered more intellectual.”

3. VIDEO

Here he is again in a short, but excellent presentation, on youtube. It’s worth following the leads in this one. Notice how intelligence in movement includes cognition – it’s not all “embodied” and “automated,” so you can’t just get out of your head and trust your body (sorry noble savage enjoyers.)

John W. Krakauer: The Intelligence of Movement (12min)

4. PAPER

Mentioned in the above talk, this paper is amazing – one of the most important I’ve ever read in this field – and will need a video of its own for me to go through in detail.

The “complex motor training” they describe is exactly what you are doing in the 1 to 1 lessons with me (specifically applied to your postural system and visible everyday movements – i.e. the ones doing the most damage!)

But the general cognitive enhancement in “non-physical” areas is undeniable if you practice for a few months (e.g. ability to focus, emotional self control etc.)

An ecological approach to cognitive enhancement: Complex motor training

“Complex motor activities combining physical and cognitive demands appear to be a promising way to train cognition.”

“The aim of the present study was to assess the potential of a novel cognitive training program based on complex motor skills, which we have labeled designed sport. Designed sport includes spatial ability and working memory demands while concurrently requiring sustained physical activity. Therefore, this regimen offers an integrated approach to cognitive training, bridging psychology and exercise sciences literatures.”

5. BOOK

I think the reason we can get these cognitive enhancements from seemingly physical tasks is that this is how cognition developed in the first place! For still the best book on how complex psychological intelligence seems to arise out of physiological intelligence, I will once again recommend this classic.

Dexterity and its Development by Nikolai Bernstein

“Demand for dexterity is not in the movements themselves but in the surrounding conditions. There is no movement that would not place high demands on dexterity, given appropriate conditions. The conditions increase the complexity of a motor task or demand the emergence of an absolutely new motor task requiring motor wits. Walking on the floor does not require dexterity whereas walking on a rope does because it is much harder to walk on a rope successfully...

In all cases in which motor initiative or adjustment is required, there is a certain tuning of the movements to an emergent task”

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Thanks for reading, with your body and mind,

Kevin

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PLUS: Whenever you’re ready, here are 3 ways I can help you bridge the gap between psychology and physiology:

• Become a Premium Member and get access to members-only courses, Q&A sessions, etc. “Principles of Posture” video course is already in there, plus new courses on the way. Join here

• Book a 1-to-1 session. An introductory lesson of Psychophysical Education. We meet on Zoom, sessions last 60 minutes. The cost is $100. Reply to this email with your timezone to arrange.

• Train as a teacher of Psychophysical Education. This is under the apprenticeship model of learning, with weekly 1-to-1 lessons, ongoing coaching, and group sessions. You will start teaching other people within weeks, no waiting for a certificate :)