The Reach Out: Ruth Ben-Ghiat
The Reach Out: Ruth Ben-Ghiat
The historian, author, and commentator says, "Exercise helps me to be focused and serene."
Ruth Ben-Ghiat is a historian and commentator who focuses on the threat of fascism, authoritarian leaders, and propaganda to democracies.
Ben-Ghiat is a Professor of History and Italian Studies at New York University and an advisor with Protect Democracy.
In the many essays and op-eds that she has written for The Atlantic, The New Yorker, The Washington Post, and CNN, Ben-Ghiat brings a historical perspective to her analyses of current events.
In her newsletter, Lucid, Ben-Ghiat posts her essays and interviews people about threats to democracy and abuses of power.
She is the author of six books, including Strongmen: From Mussolini to the Present , Fascist Modernities, and Italian Fascism’s Empire Cinema.
I wanted to ask Ruth Ben-Ghiat if exercising provides a welcome respite from thinking about such heavy topics.
How do you make exercise and fitness a part of your life?
Until I injured my rotator cuff in July 2021, my workout routine involved a trainer for weights and bodywork twice a week, walking, and yoga. Lots of yoga! Pre-covid, I would do yoga in the studio, after, at home.
Now I do core work and Pilates and lower body, and hope to get back to doing yoga in 2022, but I’m not sure when I would go back to studios and gyms.
How else have your workout habits changed since COVID began?
I now go on a stationary bike since I don't go to the gym anymore (I was a big elliptical user), and I really miss doing yoga classes in a group. I sometimes cut my home yoga classes short if I'm busy, which I would not do in the studio! I used to work out with my trainer at a boxing studio, and I really liked the energy there. Training remotely is just not the same.
Do you have a specific routine or do you work out whenever you can find the time?
I am a high-energy person, so it is easy for me to build exercise into my day. I don't have a regular routine; I sometimes take a break from writing and do squats, leg kicks, or abs, on the fly. Or I’ll do a five minute free weight routine.
As a writer, you must do a lot of sitting.
I have a standing desk and I use it at some point every day. I also make sure I get up every twenty minutes at least —going to get more water keeps me hydrated and moving. When I get stuck on a piece, I also find that taking a walk helps me organize my ideas.
Is there something that motivates you to keep active and exercise regularly?
I don't feel well, or think well, when I stop exercising. I write about stressful things, and do a lot of media, so I need to stay calm. Exercise helps me to be focused and serene.
How do you think we can encourage young people to be more active?
I'm really happy that my college age daughter is running more. It's so important for them to get off their phones. For kids, team sports are great, but hard right now with Covid. Team sports also teaches fair play, collegiality, and teamwork. I think that playing sports regularly as a kid translates into good habits later on. I played tennis quite seriously for years as a teenager, I played tournaments and was a counselor at a tennis camp. Even though I stopped playing at that level, it got me used to daily exercise.
Do you watch the news, or listen to podcasts or music, while you exercise?
When I'm on the exercise bike, I watch shows on Netflix. I prefer to watch something rather than just listen.
I think Ruth Ben-Ghiat was expressing the sentiments of many fitness enthusiasts when she said that working out consistently makes her feel better and think more clearly. I was happy to learn that she finds exercise to be such a great de-stressor.
Thank you, @ruthbenghiat
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