The Curiosity Podcast

The Limits of the Human Body May Be More Mental Than Physical

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What are the limits of the human body, and how can we break past them? Alex Hutchinson, award-winning journalist and author of "Endure: Mind, Body, and the Curiously Elastic Limits of Human Performance," explains why humans are nearly always capable of pushing just a little bit harder — and how you can eke out just a little bit more effort even when you think your tank is empty. Stream or download the podcast using the player below or find the episode everywhere podcasts are found, including iTunes, Stitcher, and Gretta.

Can't Stop, Won't Stop

On this episode of the Curiosity Podcast, "Endure: Mind, Body, and the Curiously Elastic Limits of Human Performance" author Alex Hutchinson discusses:

  • Why endurance is relevant to everyone, not just athletes.
  • Our brain's critical role in determining human endurance.
  • What separates elite athletes and performers from the rest of the pack.
  • How our inner monologue affects our athletic performance, and how internal and external factors can affect it.

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Podcast Show Notes and Links

More reading from Curiosity:

Additional resources from Alex Hutchinson:

Other studies and materials discussed:

Extra credit:

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About the Curiosity Podcast: Curiosity makes you smarter – and so will this podcast. Each week, we talk to experts who can help you get smart about the world around you, with a timely blend of cultural trends, life hacks, and developments in science and technology. You'll learn about your mind and your body, outer space and the depths of the sea, how history shaped the world into what it is today, and more. From the largest galaxies to your smallest brain cells, our curiosity will help you understand the world better.

Written by Cody Gough April 10, 2018