Pic from the new movie “Thor” coming out soon – pretty stoked for this.
Conan the Barbarian, Commando, Rocky, Batman Begins. I loved these movies growing up. They inspired me. I remember watching Rocky for the first time, then going for a 10 mile run in the snow. Those movies were badass. The heroes were badass and they kicked ass too.
I know there are a lot of guys that first get into working out because of heroes like that, or because of the comic books. I’d say the vast majority of us were inspired at some point – especially when we were growing up – by a “hero” who pushed us to want more and to be more. The hero could be Hercules or Thor; it could be Rocky Marciano or Joe Louis, Rocky Balboa or Superman.
Whether they were fictional or not, we admired their strength, their power, they had the muscle we wanted and they were larger than life. They had the attributes that we aspired to have, no matter how unrealistic they were. And I’m not just talking about the muscle. Who didn’t want to save the day like Superman, or live life daily like Bruce Wayne, then become the Batman by night?
That’s why we headed to the gym. We wanted to build muscle, to get stronger, to become more power, more athletic and to be in all around awesome shape. Somewhere along the line we lost this hunger to want it all. Our focus became purely based on aesthetics and our training began to head down that direction as well.
We’re Losing It
Walk into any gym and you’ll see guys lined up in front of the mirror totally consumed with their looks. We all want to look better. It’s a great goal to have, but guys don’t nit pick about a bit of fat here or a bit of fat there. Yes we have goals, and it’s awesome to take pride in how you look. Truly, I think it’s a great thing. But be a man about it.
Bringing It Back
Let’s get back to basics here. Forget the fads. Forget the latest diets or workout solutions and let’s start building lean, athletic muscle. The muscle that we see in comics, in movies, and the muscle we have always wanted to see in the mirror.
Let’s get back to building the ideal body, not a shell of what we could be. Let’s get back to standing for something, having back-bones, and pride.
Looking for a hero? Look in the mirror. It’s time that we become our own heroes.
Heroes used to be all around us. You could find them on TV, in the comic books or in our own homes. My Dad is one of my biggest heroes.
But guess what? We’re going to be looked at at the heroes now – if we have what it takes that is. This blog is about building a strong body and a strong life. And it’s time to take this a bit more seriously. Live with pride. Be proud of how you look, who you are, what you stand for and the work you do.
Do you stand for anything?
Seriously think about it. What do you stand for? Stop looking elsewhere for heroes and start looking in the mirror. Live up to your true potential and be the hero, not only for yourself, but for those who depend on you.
