Athleticism versus intelligence While athleticism is important and can be very helpful, especially in testing and knowing the limits of one's body, it is very different to being intelligent. Athleticism focuses on the entire body of a human, while intelligence largely focuses on the development of the brain. Athleticism has major benefits to cardiovascular health, and physical health. Increasing flexibility and physical performance, which also benefits the brain and mind, but is not always focused on that primarily. Intelligence focuses on knowing what to do at all times, and maximizing one's superior processes. Specifically superior cognitive processes. A highly intelligent person has not necessarily maximized their cardivascular health, but it would be expected that a highly intelligent person will maximized their overall health and brain health, and should be healthier than an athlete. Athletes often suffer injuries from over-performing and going beyond the limits