Which exercise increases happiness the most? Hint: It's not cardio (Reissue)

About this episode

The episode explores which mode of exercise increases happiness the most, drawing from philosophical concepts.

697. Most people think "fitness" is just about how you look at the beach or your 5K time. But after two decades of coaching, host Kevin Don has realized that what people actually want isn’t bigger biceps—it’s to be happy. This week, we look back at an episode from step away from November 2024. We look at the squat rack and into the world of philosophy to answer a bold question: Which mode of exercise will actually increase your happiness the most? Drawing from Aristotle’s "Nicomachean Ethics," Kevin explores the concept of eudaemonia (human flourishing) and why true "fitness" requires exercising your virtues rather than just your muscles. If you’ve ever felt like a new gym PR or a lower number on the scale didn't provide the fulfillment you expected, this episode explains why. In this episode, we discuss: The Puzzle of Identity: A quick (and nerdy) dive into Bertrand Russell’s theory of definite descriptions. Why Fitness Isn't Compartmentalized: Moving toward a "whole" definition of health that permeates every facet of your life. The Greatest Self-Help Book of All Time: An introduction to Aristotle’s "Nicomachean Ethics" and its relevance to modern wellness. The Doctrine of the…

People in this episode

Host: Kevin Don

Topics covered

• happiness
• exercise
• philosophy
• fitness
• wellness
• human flourishing

Keywords

• happiness
• exercise
• fitness
• Nicomachean Ethics
• Aristotle
• human flourishing
• wellness

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Nicomachean Ethics

More episodes of Get-Fit Guy

• How to stay fit after college graduation (Reissue) · June 9, 2026 · 17 min
• The pros and cons of artificial sweeteners (Reissue) · June 2, 2026 · 11 min
• A beginner’s guide to the gym (Reissue) · May 26, 2026 · 8 min
• Four simple criteria that will keep you fit (Reissue) · May 19, 2026 · 11 min
• So, you want stronger legs... (Reissue) · May 12, 2026 · 11 min
• What supplements (if any) should I be taking? (Reissue) · May 5, 2026 · 13 min