Stoicism and Exercise

Whenever asked, I always state that I am a philosopher first and a scientist second. Stoicism has provided the context for how I choose to live my life for over thirty-years now, and like many things, I find I get better at applying its principals to all aspects of how live the longer I keep practicing.

As such, when it came to writing Made to Move, the choice of making it a stoic guide was an inherent one. In truth, stoicism is now so interweaved with who I am that I couldn’t have written it any other way. In this short article, I aim to clarify just how stoicism lends itself seamlessly to improving and managing a healthy lifestyle, especially when it comes to exercise and nutrition.

How Stoic Philosophy Underpins Exercise Behaviour

Stoic philosophy, rooted in the teachings of figures like Epictetus, Seneca, and Marcus Aurelius, emphasizes discipline, self-control, and the capacity to endure challenges (Epictetus, 1995 ed; Marcus Aurelius, 2003 ed). These core tenets offer a powerful framework for motivating consistent exercise routines, as they encourage us to focus on what is within our control—effort, and intention—rather than external factors such as talent, environment, or genetic predispositions. By centering on personal agency and deliberate action, Stoic thought can help individuals overcome mental barriers that often hinder regular exercise behaviour.

One of the central ideas in Stoic philosophy is the “dichotomy of control,” which divides all aspects of life into two categories: things we can control and things we cannot (Epictetus). In terms of exercise, this principle encourages us to recognize that we cannot determine the speed of progress or guarantee specific outcomes, but we can control our willingness to show up and engage in consistent practice. A person adhering to Stoic ideals is more likely to accept the incremental nature of physical training, focusing on daily discipline—such as attending workouts, monitoring nutrition, and setting realistic goals—instead of fixating on external factors, like societal comparisons or unpredictable fitness trends (along with fads, influencers, or misleading marketing messages).

Furthermore, Stoicism encourages resilience in the face of discomfort, a trait essential for pushing through the inevitable physical and mental challenges of exercise (Irvine, 2008). By reframing discomfort as an opportunity for personal growth, we learn to view short-term challenges—such as muscle soreness or fatigue—as temporary obstacles that can be endured for the sake of a greater reward. Marcus Aurelius noted in his Meditations that it is not the events themselves that disturb us, but the judgments we make about these events (Marcus Aurelius, 2003 ed). Applying this mindset to exercise, we can acknowledge soreness or exertion without allowing those sensations to deter us from continuing with the program. Instead, we interpret the discomfort as evidence of growth, fostering a positive feedback loop that reinforces our dedication.

Additionally, Stoicism underscores the significance of virtue, which includes wisdom, courage, justice, and temperance (Pigliucci, 2017). In the context of exercise, temperance implies moderation and balance—avoiding extremes like overexertion or neglecting rest days. Wisdom helps us to recognise an appropriate training method or to consult experts when necessary. Courage fosters perseverance through challenging workouts, and justice ensures we maintain fairness to ourselves and others, potentially by sharing knowledge or creating supportive communities. By internalising these virtues, we adopt a balanced and sustainable approach to fitness, cultivating discipline and preventing burnout.

In summary, Stoic philosophy offers a resilient, disciplined, and virtue-centric framework that supports consistent exercise behaviour. By focusing on what can be controlled, reframing discomfort as beneficial, and embracing moderation through the Stoic virtues, we can transform our exercise routines into lifelong practice. This ancient philosophy has an enduring relevance in modern fitness culture, showing that the true power of an effective exercise habit lies not solely in external factors, but in the conscious, intentional, and disciplined mindset we bring to each and every workout.

References:

Epictetus. (1995). Enchiridion (T. W. Higginson, Trans.). Dover Publications.

Irvine, W. B. (2008). A guide to the good life: The ancient art of Stoic joy. Oxford University Press.

Marcus Aurelius. (2003). Meditations (G. Hays, Trans.). Modern Library.

Pigliucci, M. (2017). How to be a stoic: Using ancient philosophy to live a modern life. Basic Books.