On Point with Meghna Chakrabarti The might and magic of human muscles
Oct 24, 2025
Bonnie Tsui, an author and journalist, dives into the fascinating world of human muscles, drawing from her personal martial arts background. She explores how even the tiniest muscles can evoke powerful emotions, like those causing goosebumps. Bonnie highlights the Olympic showcase of diverse muscle attributes and considers the psychological and health benefits of strength training. She also discusses the biology of different muscle types, sex differences in muscle mass, and the importance of celebrating varied forms of strength in our society.
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Goosebumps Reveal Muscle Intelligence
- Bonnie describes the tiny erector pili muscles that make our hair stand up and cause goosebumps.
- She recounts voluntarily conjuring goosebumps and seeing them as a collective, expressive muscle intelligence.
A Father's Ritual Made Muscle Meaningful
- Bonnie recounts growing up doing karate, runs, and pushups with her father, an artist and martial artist.
- Her father's phrase "make me a muscle" framed muscle as both physical power and character expression.
Use Strength Work For Mood And Function
- Use strength training to improve mood, balance, and daily function because it reliably builds confidence and reduces pain.
- Lift with others for motivation and treat weightlifting as therapy and community when appropriate.
