No 1. Grace Under Pressure

The best of WLS this week: physical books, muscle memory and routine, gym recs, etc,.

May 16, 2025

Welcome to Succinctish, the weekly wrap-up of the best of WLS in under 1500 words: books, travel, art, style, recs, etc,.1

I’ve noticed a distinctive theme in my 2025 reading list. Separating it out, one thread seems to be physical and mental limits, endurance, and fatigue (as I call it.) Towards the end of [redacted book process], I needed concrete evidence to back up my exhaustion—and prove to myself I was tough enough to see it through.

I revisited books like Endure by Alex Hutchinson (scientific analysis of Nike’s quest to break the 2-hour marathon) and Let’s Get Physical by Danielle Friedman (women’s history of exercise—like barre classes only surging in popularity because of husbands believing it would make their wives better at sex), each of which had significant glimmers of insight. Even Anatomy of a Breakthrough by Adam Alter, which discussed how time slowed at the end of the tunnel.

Also during [redacted], the prime way to alleviate my insomnia and woes and worries was to literally, physically tire myself out. Having an objective pursuit in tandem with a creative one has always helped me keep my head on straight. It takes a lot of willpower to trust your ability in a subjective domain like writing or art; having an athletic task in parallel, with overt benchmarks and measurable progress, has always helped me stay more even.2

This is also my answer to a blog reader who asked how I build in the time or rituals for creativity—and you can read my full answer in the first edition of Paperback, my weekly literary matchmaking and Q&A column. (Get your own rec here.)

A Reading List for Muscle (and Memory)

On Muscle by Bonnie Tsui — a new release about strength training and how we view it throughout history; bonus points for learning the word atavistic; her voice is poignant and her connections are abstract/metaphorical. Loved Why We Swim slightly more (and it was the springboard for various travel articles I wrote in Iceland, Hawai’i, and Aruba re: water wellness), but still a fan.
The Snow Leopard by Peter Matthiessen — been drifting towards explorer narratives lately because I’m obsessed with the physical contrast of “small, common miracles” after a tough hike, day, etc,. (which is partly why I want to thru-hike the PCT someday, and why I found the hidden oranges in The Warrior Elite by Dick Couch so lovely.) I have thoughts on the invisible burden these men place on their domestic counterparts without acknowledgement. Happy Mother’s Day, folks.3
Mind in Motion: How Action Follows Thought by Barbara Tversky — Atomic Habits lover? Come hither. A tad dry, but this book transformed how I think about the sequence of my day. We assume that we think A then do B. But actually, action often comes first, and then we basically come up with a narrative to justify whatever we do (which helps me figure out how to change my mood/headspace/routine.) Plus, I’m always thinking about hindsight bias.

Graces in Motion Tend to Stay in Motion

I grew up active, but have treated fitness like a checkbox for the last year or so: moving, sure, but not paying much attention beyond “get out of house” and “keep watch from yelling at me.” More sedentary than I’d like to admit.

As many of us know from the vague dissatisfaction of spending all day on our laptops, we tend to be happier when we’re engaging our H&N processing systems i.e. the “satisfaction” system versus the dopaminergic “wanting” system. See: my favorite nonfiction book of last year, The Molecule of More by Daniel Z. Lieberman MD and Mike Long. We’re struggling, societally, with not being embodied enough because we do learn and feel by doing: not by consuming short-form video content.

Now that I am finished with [redacted], I’ve paid a lot of attention to the comedown. If I stopped entirely, I might feel a restless void; instead, I’ve shifted that intensity and hunger towards rebuilding my physical cadence as I gradually slow. I love the pendulum shifting back into a good ol’ fashioned routine I haven’t had in ages. Dance / swim / run / lift / whatever.

Silly example: I want to swim laps, largely because I have this delusion that anyone who does so is a very “together” person 4 I also love the conditioning classes I can show up to and basically black out during, versus cramming in a short walk before sunset. Oh, F45! Save me from the burdens of thought!

As On Muscle points out, we get a lot of benefit from being able to measure change through incremental progress, a gratification I’ve deeply missed over the years of circular book revision. It’s so lovely not to have to think so hard while still feeling the rush of working hard too. (Dropped some gym playlists too, if you’re so inclined.)

I’ve been thinking a lot about this definition of grace as ENDURANCE that’s always appealed to me re: my name, and I love that so many books I’ve read lately discuss that concept, like Bonnie Tsui in her epilogue. Grace as the willingness to stick with a challenge, or bestow unearned forgiveness, or endure pain for the sake of growing. And part of why we love strength training so much psychologically is because it shows visible, immediate change and increase in agency, so “grace” fits with that.

“With grace, the beauty and elegance in movement comes from a seeming effortlessness and ease. But we all know that nothing comes without hard work.”

Low Lift! Some Product Recs

Obviously, I’ve gotten to sift through plenty of activewear, gym accessories, etc,. in my tenure as a shopping writer. I’ll share my favorites regardless of price point—as I’m lucky to get to test plenty for free and y’all have plenty of different budgets—but I’m honest about pros and cons or what feels worthwhile.

DAGNE DOVER LANDON CARRYALL ($200) — My fitness classes are a solid 40 minutes away (perks of living in the country) and I adore a gym shower, so I’ve loved this durable tote. It’s an ideal size, with plenty of room and organization. I was skeptical about the price for neoprene material, but I throw my bag around so roughly and frequently that it seems to be fantastic quality.
FITNESS TRACKER ($165) — of course, I’ve tried all of them (Oura, Garmin, Whoop, Apple Watch), and here’s where I land: daily, I wear a the Garmin Forerunner 245 + Oura Ring 3 and love the data combination.5
LIFTED RESISTANCE BANDS ($28) — You can do a whole lot with resistance bands, which I relish 1) as a dancer seeking her flexibility back and 2) as someone who travels frequently. Throw ‘em in the suitcase. I’m sure they’re cheaper elsewhere, but the plastic ones have been great quality and I use them often.

On Today’s Episode of “Unfortunately, This Is What My Brain Looks Like with All This—”

You do not have to follow the thread and yes, it is visually overwhelming (but oddly soothing to map out.)

As a reminder, I post mostly on Words Like Silver but share the short-er read here. Find me on Instagram.

Succinctish