Weakness of Will and Fitness

Fitness in Philosophy

How can we know the right thing for us to do and yet fail to do it?

For example pretty much everyone knows it's better to:

-exercise rather than not exercise

-eat healthy food vs eating processed food

-not smoke vs. smoke

And yet there are literally millions of people who don't exercise, eat junk food, and smoke. How is this possible? This is the central discussion of this episode.

It's an extremely relevant question today for the health and fitness industry but the question goes all the way back to Plato and Aristotle and the idea of "akrasia" or weakness of will. Plato and Aristotle wondered why it is that someone can know the right, rational, or better thing for them to do to lead a happy life and yet fail to do it.

The Fitness in Philosophy podcast is dedicated to discussing the intersection between concepts in philosophy and their connection with fitness. Each episode we talk about a particular philosophical concept like autonomy, knowledge, virtue, truth, etc. and discuss how that idea connects with coaching fitness, participating in fitness as an individual, and fitness culture at large. It is hosted by James FitzGerald and Robby Gustin.

About the Hosts:

James FitzGerald is the founder and owner of OPEX Fitness, and he was the first-ever men's CrossFit® Games champion in 2007. He's one of the world's most in-demand experts on coaching mindset and training. James is also the leader of the individual design movement in the fitness world. He firmly believes that individual design programs are the only way that a coach and client can build the relationship and trust necessary to progress a client’s fitness for a lifetime. You can find out more about James and OPEX Fitness at opexfit.com

Robby Gustin holds a BA in philosophy from Columbia University and a PhD in philosophy from the University of Notre Dame. He is currently head nutrition coach at CFSB Nutrition, a Functional Diagnostic Nutrition® Health Coach, and an OPEX CCP Coach.