#160 - Michael Blevins - A Conversation Not About Fitness
Apr 16, 2020
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Michael Blevins, a coach and podcaster, has trained Hollywood stars, emphasizing fitness as a path to self-discovery. In this engaging conversation, he challenges conventional fitness norms, discussing the damaging effects of modern gym culture on mental health. Blevins connects physical fitness to deeper philosophical themes, exploring pain, identity, and personal transformation. He also shares transformative experiences with psychedelics and the importance of emotional growth, encouraging listeners to appreciate existence and foster resilience.
Fitness industry fails to contribute to overall well-being; damaging effects of certain fitness practices on mental and physical health.
Being present in our physical experiences through fitness enhances sensitivity and deepens connection with reality.
Creating a sacred space in fitness that prioritizes holistic well-being through psychological and philosophical perspectives.
Personal transformations trigger discomfort and resistance in others; importance of being mindful and authentic in identity.
Deep dives
Transforming the Fitness Industry
This podcast episode explores how the fitness industry, despite its emphasis on physical appearance, fails to contribute to our overall well-being. It delves into the damaging effects that certain fitness practices can have on mental and physical health. The discussion goes beyond fitness and delves into metaphysics and philosophy, highlighting the importance of being present in our bodies and exploring the concept of reality. The guest, Michael Blevins, shares his approach to fitness, which focuses on providing a holistic experience that influences other aspects of life.
Finding Sensitivity through Fitness
The conversation emphasizes how fitness can help us become more sensitive to the world around us. By being present in our physical experiences, whether through intense workouts or mindful stretching, we can enhance our sensitivity and deepen our connection with reality. The guest highlights the importance of mental and physical presence in fitness activities and compares it to other experiences like art or extreme sports where being fully present is necessary for performance. The episode also touches on the fine line between utilising pain for growth and falling into the trap of masochism.
Creating Sacred Spaces
The episode explores how fitness spaces lack a sense of sacredness and often prioritize aesthetics over holistic well-being. It contrasts this with the speaker's approach to fitness, where a sacred space is created to provide a transformative experience. The podcast highlights the importance of asking questions, deep conversations, and individualized approaches to fitness, moving away from standardized programs. The guest suggests that integrating psychological and philosophical perspectives can enhance the fitness experience, enabling people to become more sensitive to themselves, their surroundings, and their own growth potential.
Persona, Transformation, and Self-Reflection
The conversation delves into the concept of persona and how personal transformations can trigger discomfort and resistance in others. It highlights the tendency for individuals to resist change in those around them, as it reflects their own lack of progress. The episode dives into the idea that we are all characters and the importance of being mindful and authentic in our identity. It also touches on the challenges that individuals face when transitioning from one identity to another, whether it be from an athlete to retirement or from an actor to life after a specific role.
Lessons from Ayahuasca and Endurance
The speaker reflects on his experiences with ayahuasca and how it has taught him valuable lessons. He shares how the plant has transformed him and helped him understand endurance. He emphasizes the connection between endurance and love, highlighting that the more we feel love, the more we can endure. He also discusses the importance of being open to change and not being afraid of it.
Reevaluating Fitness and Strength
The speaker talks about reevaluating the fitness and strength industry. They express their dissatisfaction with the repetitive nature of the industry and their desire for personal evolution and reinvention. They mention their interest in exploring unconventional avenues, such as creating a tarot card game. They also discuss their shift in perspective on strength, emphasizing that strength is not just about lifting heavy weights, but also about holding specific positions and contracting muscles correctly.
Symposiums and Genuine Connections
The speaker shares their thoughts on their symposiums and the genuine connections they have formed with attendees. They discuss the importance of asking direct questions and being honest with oneself. They mention their interest in having conversations with open-minded individuals and their skepticism towards those who have a fear of change. They offer an invitation for interested individuals to attend their upcoming symposium and engage in meaningful discussions.
Michael Blevins is a coach, podcaster and part of the team who trained some of Hollywood's biggest stars for screen.
Expect to learn why exercising is where we connect most closely with what it means to be human, how the modern obsession with training can be damaging mentally and physically.
We talk about metaphysics, psychedelics, finding meaning & purpose in life... and not really at all about fitness.
