The Reach Out: Natalia Mehlman Petrzela
The author, professor, podcaster, and fitness instructor says, "movement makes me happier and healthier."
Natalia Mehlman Petrzela is an associate professor of history at The New School in New York City, co-producer and host of the Welcome to Your Fantasy podcast, and co-host of the Past Present Podcast.
Petrzela is the author of Classroom Wars: Language, Sex, and the Making of Modern Political Culture and the forthcoming FIT NATION: The Gains and Pains Of America’s Exercise Obsession.
A fitness instructor for more than a decade, Petrzela teaches Intensati, and has been a frequent contributor to the New York Times, Washington Post, and The Atlantic.
I knew before our interview that Natalia was a fitness enthusiast, but just how enthusiastic? That was the question…
How do you make being active a part of your life?
To me, that question is like “how do you make brushing your teeth a part of your life?” While, like everyone, some days I’m more excited to exercise than others, I know on such a deep level that movement makes me happier and healthier — and that I feel “off” without it — that I fairly automatically build it into my day in one form or another.
Sometimes that means an intense workout, and other days it could mean a long walk or just 20 minutes of running. It’s relatively easy for me to build working out into my life because I subscribe to such an expansive definition of exercise such that it feels far more like a privilege to partake in these different forms of movement than a punishment.
Do you have a specific exercise routine?
I work out at different times, depending on the day. That said, I always block out time for it, and sometimes plan around particular workouts such as a dance class or training session; if I don’t make movement a priority, it likely won’t happen!
Is there something that motivates you to keep active and exercise regularly?
I love how exercise makes me feel and whenever I feel myself putting it off, I remind myself how much better I’ll feel after 20 minutes of running than after 20 more minutes tending to my inbox or whatever else I am convincing myself is too important to delay. I also do a lot of different types of workouts, which keeps things exciting. In a given week, I’ll run, attend or teach a cardio dance class, do strength training, and incorporate some biking or walking.
Goal-setting also helps: I’m currently training for my first half-marathon since the pandemic, and I recently achieved my long-held goal of doing a pull-up! Music is also key. I won’t let myself listen to my running mix except when I’m running, so I have something to look forward to.
Also, and this may sound corny, but when I want to give up, I remind myself of how lucky I am to be able to move freely, and to have the flexibility in my schedule to make time to exercise in a way I find fun and meaningful.
Did your exercise habits change during COVID?
Like many people, I turned to home workouts — yes, I bought a Peloton — and while I like the efficiency, there’s nothing as inspiring (for me) as the collective sweaty experience of the gym. I’m back to my old ways now, which include a lot of group fitness and gym going. I’m happy, for both participants and the business owners, that many other people seem to feel that way, too!
Do you wear a fitness monitor to track your step count or remind you to "move?"
Yes, I have an Apple Watch. I like it fine, but I’m not obsessed with the metrics. I don’t always close all my rings, and that’s ok!
Do you watch the news, or listen to podcasts or music, while you exercise?
I go in phases, and right now I’m really into music and letting my mind wander. At other moments, I’ve loved plowing through podcasts, especially while distance running.
Is there a sport or fitness trend that you think you might like to try?
I am intrigued by powerlifting. I came of age in The Cardio Era, and I’m fascinated with that very different sort of exertion.
How do you think we can encourage young people to be more active?
Glad you asked! If we want more people excited about exercise — and equipped to engage in it on their own terms — we have to make physical education a more meaningful and integral part of the curriculum. It’s the place many kids first encounter exercise, and too many of them are turned off by the very class meant to excite them about it!
In that vein, we need more free and accessible fitness facilities in all neighborhoods, not just in areas where private workout studios have come to be markers of gentrification. Inviting parks and running trails, well lit streets and courts, free community classes with childcare….this would all go a long way.
I agree with Natalia about gym class — I love exercise and fitness, but I hated phys. ed. (I even skipped!). Make it fun, accessible, and convenient!
Thank you, @nataliapetrzela
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