Training the Body

This book explores the connections between physical training, religion, and sport, offering critical insights into cultural practices and their implications for individuals.

This insightful work is the first to delve into the relationship between physical training and various cultural contexts, including religion and sport. Training the Body offers an in-depth exploration of the performative, social, cultural, and gendered dimensions of somatic discipline and exercise. By examining these aspects, the book sheds light on how training practices are influenced by and, in turn, influence broader societal norms and values.

The chapters within Training the Body are rich with thematic and case-study analyses from diverse global perspectives. Topics range from the martial discipline and symbolism found in artistic gymnastics to the religious interpretations surrounding body vulnerability in marathon running. The book also addresses the religious language associated with corporeal training in both sport and martial arts, highlighting the intricate connections between physical practice and spiritual beliefs.

Drawing from a variety of disciplines, including sport, religion, history, and philosophy, this work critically examines the sometimes contentious and excessive nature of training within both sports and religious contexts. The potential harm that can arise for athletes or adherents due to these practices is a significant concern raised in the text. Training the Body is essential reading for advanced students and researchers interested in the intersections of physical culture, ethics, and the sociology of sport, as well as those engaged in religious and Asian studies.