Men’s Health Circus Article

I am grateful for this feature in Men's Health, which highlighted some of the circus-style lifts I've been exploring and the deeper meaning behind them.

The circus was one of America's early "awe centers" places where people could witness something extraordinary and briefly expand their sense of what was possible. In a world of constant comparison and optimization, awe might be one of the most grounding and perspective-shifting emotions we have access to.

I'm deep into my positive psychology studies this year at UPenn's Master of Applied Positive Psychology program, examining how experiences like awe, embodiment, and intentional challenge contribute to human flourishing.

These old-school lifts happen to sit right at that intersection. They require attention, timing, and self-regulation. They force you to coordinate strength and awareness in real time. And they connect you to a lineage of human movement that predates modern fitness entirely.

As the article notes, we have safer and more efficient ways to build strength today. But when practiced thoughtfully, these traditional movements can open new possibilities for physical capability, mobility, and mindful engagement with the body.

In my work with entrepreneurs, executives and professionals I see how rare it is for high performers to experience genuine awe or step into challenges that aren't 100% tied to outcomes or metrics.

These lifts remind us that there's value in pursuing something difficult simply because it expands what we believe possible and that belief can permeate into all areas of our lives and even the lives of those closest to us.

My hope is that this article encourages someone to step outside their comfort zone and reconnect with the possibilities that challenge and awe can create.