Training the Body: Perspectives from Religion, Physical Culture and Sport

The book explores the body in training in the context of religion, sport, and physical culture, offering insight into the performative, social, cultural, and gendered aspects of somatic discipline and exercise. It examines topics such as the martial discipline and symbolism of artistic gymnastics, religious interpretations of body vulnerability in the context of marathons, and the religious language of corporeal training in sport and martial arts.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 236 pages
Publication date: 29 January 2024
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This groundbreaking book is the first to explore the body in training within the context of religion, sport, and broader physical culture, providing invaluable insights into the performative, social, cultural, and gendered aspects of somatic discipline and exercise. The book presents a captivating array of thematic and case-study-led chapters, each exploring diverse topics such as the martial discipline and symbolism of artistic gymnastics, religious interpretations of body vulnerability in the realm of marathons, and the religious language of corporeal training in sport and martial arts. Drawing from a multi-disciplinary perspective, encompassing sport, religion, history, and philosophy, the book delves into the often contentious and sometimes excessive application of training in both sport and religion, examining the potential harm it can cause to athletes and adherents. This captivating work is an essential read for advanced students and researchers with a deep interest in the body, physical cultural studies, the ethics and philosophy of sport, the sociology of sport, religious studies, Asian studies, or philosophy.

Introduction:
The body has long been a central focus of human inquiry, from ancient philosophical debates to contemporary scientific research. However, the study of the body in training has received relatively less attention, particularly in the context of religion, sport, and broader physical culture. This book aims to rectify this oversight by examining the body in training from a multidisciplinary perspective, exploring its performative, social, cultural, and gendered aspects.

Thematic and Case-Study Led Chapters:
The book is organized into a series of fascinating thematic and case-study-led chapters, each contributed by leading experts in their respective fields. The chapters cover a wide range of topics, including the martial discipline and symbolism of artistic gymnastics, religious interpretations of body vulnerability in the context of marathons, and the religious language of corporeal training in sport and martial arts.

Multi-Dciplinary Perspectives:
To provide a comprehensive understanding of the body in training, the book draws on multi-disciplinary perspectives, including sport, religion, history, and philosophy. By integrating these diverse fields of study, the book offers a rich and nuanced analysis of the body in training.

Contested and Excessive Application of Training:
One of the key themes of the book is the often contested and excessive application of training in both sport and religion. The authors explore the ways in which training can be used to promote physical and mental well-being, as well as the potential harm it can cause to athletes and adherents.

Ethics and Philosophy of Sport:
The book also examines the ethical and philosophical dimensions of training, exploring issues such as the nature of competition, the role of coaches and trainers, and the responsibilities of athletes and adherents. The authors argue that training should be guided by ethical principles that prioritize the well-being and development of athletes and adherents.

Sociology of Sport:
The sociology of sport is another important aspect of the book, as the authors explore the social and cultural implications of training and competition. They examine the ways in which sport shapes identity, reinforces social hierarch.

Religious Studies:
Finally, the book also touches on the religious dimensions of training, exploring the ways in which training can be interpreted and understood within religious contexts. The authors argue that training can be seen as a form of worship, a means of spiritual development, or a way of connecting with the divine.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, this groundbreaking book is a must-read for anyone interested in the body, physical cultural studies, the ethics and philosophy of sport, the sociology of sport, religious studies, Asian studies, or philosophy. It provides a comprehensive and nuanced analysis of the body in training, exploring its performative, social, cultural, and gendered aspects from a multi-disciplinary perspective. By highlighting the contested and excessive application of training, the book encourages readers to consider the ethical and philosophical dimensions of training and to advocate for practices that prioritize the well-being and development of athletes and adherents.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032123318