The maxim “a healthy mind in a healthy body” summarizes the age-old common knowledge of how physical fitness contributes to mental and emotional well-being. This concept is older than you might think: its roots can be traced back to ancient Rome, from which the famous Latin phrase is derived. The famous words have been credited to Roman poet Juvenal, dating back to the first century AD.

In his satirical poem, Juvenal promoted the ideal of balance between physical health and mental acuity as a cornerstone for a fulfilling life. How could that even be satirical? It could be because the phrase was part of a larger moral commentary. Juvenal (“bread and circuses,” anyone?) was the last great Roman satirist whose sharp reed pen harshly critiqued the decadent Roman elite’s obsession with superficial pursuits and advocated for more substantial, virtuous goals.

However, the concept itself predates the Roman age—ancient Greek philosophers also thought that the mind and body were interconnected and that the health of one influenced the other. This perspective was at the root of their educational system, which combined physical training and athletic competition with music, debate, and philosophy into a holistic approach to development.

Over the centuries, this ancient wisdom has been revisited and reinforced in various cultural and medical discourses. Today, the idea is supported by a growing body of scientific research that links regular physical activity to improved mental health, reduced anxiety, and enhanced cognitive function.

Which brings us back to contemporary home fitness.