What is body kinesthetic intelligence and what are its characteristics?

Body movement is a very complex process, wheremental and physical skillsintervene very actively. This interaction between mind and body to generate movement is described asbody kinesthetic intelligence.

In the following article, we explain whatbody kinesthetic intelligence consists ofand we mention what its main characteristics are.

What is body kinesthetic intelligence?

To get into context on this topic, we must know the meaning of the wordskinesthetic and body.

Kinesthetic refers to the science that studies human movement or the sensation of perception as universal and bodily movement refers to that linked to the body, especially tothe humanbody.

So, body kinesthetic intelligence, according toGardner(1), is “the ability to use the whole body in the expression of ideas and feelings, and the ease of using the hands to transform elements.” (2)

This intelligence impliesthe ability of the individual to coordinatebody balance, speed, strength and dexterity to perform any action or activityconsciously, voluntarily and even involuntarily.

To highlight: Body kinesthetic intelligence is atype of intelligencecomponent of the 8 intelligences ofHoward Gardner’s “Theory of Multiple Intelligences”. (3)

What are the characteristics of body kinesthetic intelligence?

Bodily kinesthetic intelligence has a set of characteristics that identify it compared to other intelligences, which we mention below:

1. It involves physical abilities and cognitive abilities

Bodily kinesthetic intelligence comprises the harmonious use of the necessary physical abilities to perform an action effectively and precisely, mental abilities, for the Processing of motor information such as attention, perception, memory, problem solving, among others.

2. There is greater motor control

Bodily kinesthetic intelligence provides individuals with the ability to Produce and control body movementswith great dexterity and precision. This is achieved through aprogressive and constant training, through Learning , for a total control of the movements of the body.

Note: At this point, surgeons, artisans and jewelers, among others , stand out for their precision in motor skills .

3. Allows optimal adaptation to the environment

Another of the characteristics of bodily kinesthetic intelligence is that it allows the body to locate itself in the space that surrounds it , allowing it to better adapt to the social and physical environment that surrounds it and with which it interrelates.

You should know: The ability to recognize the space that surrounds us in body kinesthetic intelligence, helps in parallel in the development of Spatial Intelligence .

4. Integrate emotional expression into movements

The body moves depending on the emotional charge, which we manifest at certain times.

In this sense, if we have a negative emotional charge, the bodily expressions will indicate violence, but if this emotional charge is positive, the movements most likely reflect pleasure or joy. 

To highlight: At this point, kinesthetic bodily intelligence is connected to intrapersonal and interpersonal intelligence .

5. Enhances the cognitive development and mental management of the individual

It has already been described through scientific articles that in motor skills where coordination and harmony of body movements predominate, body kinesthetic intelligence favors cognitive development .

Note: A scientific article concludes that the benefits of Physical activity on brain health are compelling. (4)

How to develop body kinesthetic intelligence?

In the field of learning, there are some techniques to enhance body kinesthetic intelligence and that we mention below:

1. Practice sports and artistic activities

These abilities are developed from childhood, since the infant starts school. We already know that sports activity favors the development of cognitive abilities and in this sense, it is necessary forThe Infantto be integrated into those physical activitiesthat are to his liking.

On the other hand, dance is considered a bodily expressionof what the body feels through music. These precision movements in the art of dancing are combined withemotions and feelings expressed through the harmony of musical sounds, highlighting people such as dancers.

You should know: This type of intelligence is linked to another called musical intelligence , which also requires the development of bodily skills .

2. Do crafts

The crafts involve having precision in their execution , since we are trying to show an art that is pleasing to our own eyes and to that of others.

To highlight: The conservation of details, lines, contours and the proportion of objects requires a skill that is developed with kinesthetic body intelligence , which is acquired through learning.

3. Perform games of mime and construction of objects

With body expression through mime to imitate people or animals, it focuses on the accuracy of our gestures and movementsfor imitation.

Let’s remember that through mime, we are trying to communicate with other people through Non-verbal gestures and they must contain very expressive movements to convey the idea and these must be incorporated into a  Continuous learning process.

4. Explore new places and environments

For the development of motor skills and consequently the development of bodily kinesthetic intelligence, it is advisable to visit and explore natural environmental spaces that allow walking on irregular terrain (paths to rivers and mountains).

Note: This will Please mind-body coordination , promote body balance and stimulate the formation of new abilities in the brain , in addition to allowing the development of another type of ability called Naturalistic Intelligence .

Key Findings

• Bodily kinesthetic intelligence is the Ability to use the The whole body in the expression of ideas and feelings.
• This intelligence involves the coordination of body balance, speed, strength and dexterity to perform movements.
• This ability is developed and strengthened through the Learning Processfrom childhood.
• The development of physical abilities contributes to the strengthening of cognitive abilities.