Do You Learn Best By Doing? You May Have Kinesthetic Intelligence l
Has anyone ever told you that you’re a hands-on learner? Then, you might possess kinesthetic intelligence. Kinesthetic intelligence, or bodily intelligence, is one of Gardner’s nine types of intelligence. It’s an incredibly useful skill to have and we can learn to develop it to our advantage. We’ll explore what kinesthetic intelligence is all about and how you can develop yours to become the hands-on superlearner you were born to be.
What Are The 9 Types Of Intelligence? Before we hop into bodily intelligence, let’s first take a look at where this theory of multiple intelligences came from.
Back in the 1980s, developmental psychologist Howard Gardnersuggested there there were nine types of intelligence: Musical intelligence Spatial intelligence Linguistic intelligence Logical-mathematical intelligence Kinesthetic intelligence Interpersonal intelligence Intrapersonal intelligence Naturalistic intelligence Existential intelligence Gardner identified kinesthetic smarts as one of the nine forms that human intelligence can take. So, what does it mean to have this type of intelligence?
What Are The Characteristics Of Bodily Kinesthetic Intelligence? Kinesthetic intelligence is intelligence of the body. Having this form of intelligence means you experience the world primarily through your tactile
senses. You’re skilled at communicating with your body and have top notch motor skills and coordination. Those with bodily kinesthetic intelligence are movers and shakers. They learn best by doing, in a dynamic, hands-on environment. They are active individuals who are highly aware of the movement of their bodies. A good way to learn more about kinesthetic intelligence is to learn about its inverse intelligence: logical intelligence.
What Is Logical Intelligence? Logical-mathematical intelligence is another of Gardner’s multiple intelligences. People with this form of intelligence are skilled analytical thinkers. They excel at deductive reasoning and rely on rational thinking to problem solve. Logical intelligence is an intelligence of abstract thoughts and ideas. Whereas kinesthetic
intelligence is an intelligence of the concrete and tangible. And even though these two intelligences are quite different, it’s entirely possible that you could possess them both!
What Does It Mean To Be Kinesthetic? Those with kinesthetic intelligence are well suited to jobs and positions that enable them to move. They make excellent dancers, actors, mechanics, physical therapists, athletes, and artisans. Having this type of intelligence doesn’t necessary mean you’re a natural athlete. Kinesthetic intelligence can manifest itself in a number of ways. Perhaps you’re a tactile learner. Or love to craft or tackle DIY projects. People that prefer to process and communicate information with their bodies have kinesthetic intelligence.
How Can I Improve My Kinesthetic Intelligence?
So, if kinesthetic intelligence isn’t your strong suit, can you learn to develop it? Absolutely. Developing a skill is all about what you choose to put your energy into. Jim Kwik, Author of Mindvalley’s Superbrain Program, explains, “If you argue for your limitations, you get to keep them.” We’re all born with different talents. But what you choose to strengthen is entirely up to you. If you want to work on your kinesthetic intelligence, here are a few things to try:
Practice yoga Go for a walk Try a new sport or hobby Start an exercise routine Take an acting class Start each morning with some simple stretches Take up a DIY project
Dance to your favorite song  Play charades You can develop your body smarts in all sorts of ways, but the bottom line is: get up and get moving! 