A sound mind in a healthy body

Let’s remember once again why it’s important to exercise!

Physical activity isn’t the same as physical exercise. Physical activity refers to any type of human activity – from brushing teeth, climbing stairs, or shopping. On the other hand, physical exercises have a particular structure and content. They must meet the PSYCHOMOTRICITY criteria, otherwise known as “musculoskeletal criteria.”

The ancient Greeks believed in the existence of harmony between bodily and verbal expressions, which led them to the apogee in their way of expression. We continue to draw on their wisdom to this very day. For the Romans, bodily communication receded in importance as verbal debate prevailed. In the 20th century, the philosopher and biologist John Dupré, currently a professor at the University of Exeter, was the first to use the term “child psychometrics” when talking about a motor weakness, where he noted a close link between mental and motor disorders.

Psychomotricity is a science that studies humans through their bodies in motion and the relationship between their inner and outer worlds. It can be summarised as the ability to realize, define, and coordinate body movements. The word “psychomotricity” comes from the Greek noun “psukhḗ” (soul) and the Latin verb “moto” (moves often, shakes hard).

Recently, I very carefully listened to what Dr. Valentin Fuster, Spanish cardiologist, and director of CNIC, said in his presentation for the “Learning Together” program sponsored by the Spanish banking conglomerate BBVA. Here is a quote that made an impression on me: “Nowadays, it’s much more important to enhance health than to prevent disease.” His words are based on studies that have been going on for years around the world, but which we rarely pay attention to because that would upset the balance between marketing and what we really need. A war that advertising companies are currently winning over consumers, especially those with suggestible minds. The decision to take care of yourself is personal and involves reason. Think about whether there’s any point in running seven kilometers a day and then eating whatever you find in the fridge once you’re back home?

Very much yours and eternally prudent,
Elisaveta Shiderska
Specialist in conditioning training