“Tuning into One’s Self:” Foucault’s Technologies of the Self and Mindful Fitness

Abstract

This article explores the application of Michel Foucault’s technologies of the self—practices of freedom that are characterized by ethics of self-care, critical awareness, and aesthetic self-stylization. Foucault’s argument states that the technologies of self can act as practices of freedom from disciplinary, discursive body practices. Based on ethnographic fieldwork, this study examines the intersections of Foucault’s theory with commercial fitness practices to identify possibilities for changing the dominant, feminine body discourse. The focus is on fitness practices collectively defined as mindful fitness and specifically one hybrid mindfulfitness form that combines Pilates, yoga, and Tai Chi with western strength training. Through in-depth interviews with the instructors of this hybrid form, this study analyzes the possibilities for mindful fitness to act as a practice of freedom by detailing what can be meant by critically aware, self-stylized fitness professionals for whom ethical care of the self translates to ethical care of the others.

Are we fit yet? English adolescent girls’ experiences of health and fitness apps

“…Foucault's conceptualisation of technologies of the self is useful in understanding the girls' engagement with health and fitness apps. Markula (2004) emphasises that this concept signifies a shift from the disciplined individual, to one that engages in "practices of freedom [to] enable a creative transformation of the self" (p. 304). This notion is central to "moving beyond simplistic notions of socialisation to a more complex understanding of how the operation of power works to connect the self with the social" (Wright, O'Flynn, & Macdonald, 2006, p. 708).…”

Práticas Corporais E Promoção De Saúde

“…Para estes bailarinos, a normalidade de dor ou os excessos de certas práticas artís-ticas não eram mais tão cegamente tolerados ou, se assim fossem, só em determinadas condições e por um período limitado de tempo. Markula (2004) aponta apropriadamente que qualquer discurso pode ser emancipatório ou opressivo. Um discurso baseado em Educação Somática não é exceção e precisa ser visto de forma crítica.…”

Integrating Mindfulness into School Physical Activity Programming

“…In addition, students should be encouraged to develop mirror-thought-to appreciate whatever they are presently experiencing, whether it be errors in learning, breathlessness in running, noises in ball bouncing, or the enjoyment of a particular sensation-rather than simply employing the skills to run faster, jump higher, or become stronger. Finally, practicing Western physical activities as guided by Eastern movement disciplines principles, can also be an alternative to "mindfulizing" existing activities (Markula, 2004).…”