Community Connection ~ September 14, 2025: Become More "Body Smart"

This week we continue our series centered around Thomas Armstrong’s book 7 Kinds of Smart. As we dive into the theory of multiple intelligences, we’ll spend a Sunday exploring each of the ways our beautifully unique brains are capable of knowing things. Today’s focus: “Body Smart.” 

Another way of calling a person “body smart” is saying they possess kinesthetic intelligence. This includes both the ability to control one’s body movements and the use of one’s body to handle objects. So not only is a professional athlete smart in this way, so is a skilled sculptor or crocheter. This type of intelligence is not always recognized as such by society, but the theory of multiple intelligences is quite clear on the matter. And similar to music smarts, building up your kinesthetic intelligence not only makes your body work better but your mind as well! 

Part of what Thomas Armstrong does in this section of his book is to widen the concept of physical competence to include not only strength and endurance but also flexibility, balance, dexterity, expressiveness, coordination, and good reflexes. Working on any of these skills will improve your kinesthetic intelligence, so consider integrating things like standing on one foot, stringing beads onto a necklace, or dancing in your living room into your fitness routine. 

A form of dancing that is particularly beneficial to your body and brain is called BrainDance. Developed by Anne Green Gilbert and often used as a warm-up in movement classes or a brain break in schools, this movement sequence is super accessible and great for your nervous system as well as your brain. It includes a series of tactile experiences, movements that isolate different sides of the body, and cross lateral movements that help to connect the hemispheres of the brain. You can read more about it here. 

After you’ve bolstered your kinesthetic intelligence, take advantage of it by using movement to help you create and learn. Taking a walk while planning a creative project can help start the flow of new ideas, while associating a movement or gesture with a piece of information you’re trying to learn can help it stick in your memory. And the benefits of kinesthetic intelligence, both in brain and body, will hopefully create a reward cycle that motivates you to keep moving! 

What is your favorite way to practice being “body smart?” Share with us on Facebook or Instagram.