Why PQ?
Moving for Good
The PQ Initiative is a bold response to this crisis. Rooted in cutting-edge research, it offers a new path forward: one that reconnects us with our physical intelligence and reignites our potential for resilience, clarity, and health. In a time of widespread disconnection, PQ offers not just insight—but hope.
The PQ Formula
We move to learn. Each movement experience wires the brain for greater understanding. In this way, Physical Intelligence (PQ) is not separate from cognitive intelligence—it fuels it. PQ builds the brain’s capacity to think, reason, and problem-solve. In short: PQ drives IQ.
What many of us may not fully realize is that Physical Intelligence (PQ) is deeply connected to Emotional Intelligence (EQ). EQ includes self-awareness, empathy, emotional regulation, and the ability to read and respond to nonverbal cues in others. At the heart of all these skills is one essential capacity: self-awareness.
But how do we become self-aware?
Self-awareness begins in the body. The connection and communication between brain and body—through our nervous system—shape how we experience and interpret emotion. Joy, fear, anger, love, trauma—they all start as physical sensations.
Because our nervous system is shaped and strengthened by movement, physical activity directly enhances our ability to manage emotions. The more attuned we are to our bodies, the better we can recognize, regulate, and relate—both to ourselves and to others.
In this way, PQ doesn’t just support how we think—it deepens how we feel and connect. PQ grows EQ.
Physical movement is a powerful catalyst for human health and specifically for brain function.
What Gets in the Way
Money motivates: According to the CDC, nearly 90 cents of every dollar spent on healthcare in the U.S., goes to treating a preventable chronic disease. Public and private insurers have realized the cost of inactivity and healthcare models are slowly shifting to value-based payment models, placing the financial incentive on preventing and managing disease. Unfortunately, most of these initiatives are focused on the final decades of life when costs are highest. The Heckman Equation makes the argument for early childhood investment but, as yet, it is not a policy priority in the U.S.
Lack of research: There is a lack of universal screening for physical development milestones in children. This is exacerbated by the fact that there are no national guidelines for physical activity prior to age three. Emerging research supports the role of movement and body awareness for building resilience but this has had a limited impact on developing treatment protocols for children. Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) screening is increasing but, to what end if we do not have effective treatment protocols? Perhaps the most promising is Dr. Bruce Perry's Neurosequential Model.
Cultural Norms: Systems and values in the U.S. emphasize athletic and academic achievement. This has led to prioritization of "kids in seats with pencil in hand" as early as possible; negating the established research around children's readiness for either of those actions at the dictated ages. Being physically active is not a cultural norm in the U.S. Many countries in the world that have established the connection between movement and mental function demonstrate clear prioritization of physical activity throughout the life span.
False assumptions: Policymakers may assume children are moving, playing and taking PE in school. Parents, caregivers and educators may lack the necessary understanding of the importance of early movement experiences for establishing brain structure and function necessary for learning and social-emotional regulation.
Join the Movement
Movement in early life isn’t optional—it’s foundational. From the womb through the first three years, movement shapes how the brain is built and how the body functions. These early movement patterns determine a child’s capacity to learn, play, build confidence, form relationships, and manage emotions. In short, movement in early life lays the groundwork for lifelong success.
And yet, children today are moving less than ever. At the same time, we’re seeing historic declines in academic performance, skyrocketing mental health challenges, and rising rates of trauma and suicide among youth. We're sounding the alarm—but ignoring a powerful, proven solution: early movement builds resilience.
So why isn’t this knowledge reflected in our policies, schools, or healthcare systems? For two decades, I’ve asked that question to experts across disciplines. Their answer? “You’re onto something.”
PQ Theory isn’t new. It’s a synthesis of decades of research and, in many ways, simple common sense. The problem isn’t what we don’t know—it’s what we’re not applying when it matters most.
My mission is to change that. Let’s build a future where movement and nutrition are prioritized from conception onward—because the first years of life matter most.
Join the Movement
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