| I’ve always been a sucker for feel-good movies that pit the underdog against incredible odds only to see them shock the world by achieving the impossible.
I remember seeing the movie “Rocky” in my early teens and almost jumping out of my seat when the unknown fighter from Philadelphia nearly dethroned the heavyweight champion of the world. I almost cried watching the movie “Rudy,” when a less-than-average boy with no size, strength or athletic ability refused to be deprived a chance to play for the mighty Notre Dame football team. I’ve watched “The Blind Side” – the story of Baltimore Ravens offensive tackle Michael Oher – so many times that I could probably recite the entire movie, and my better half has forbidden me from ever turning it on again unless I want to lose control of the family remote control for life. As I’ve grown older, I have come to realize that it’s not Hollywood stars or special effects in these movies that I love but rather the story of personal achievement that keeps me coming back for more. There’s something about working hard to achieve a goal that just about every one of us can identify with, because life is a wonderful journey of personal improvement. Think about it: When you accomplish something you once thought impossible, you begin to walk a little taller and feel more confident about yourself. OK, maybe you’ll never be a professional athlete or a famous movie star, but you can consistently make an effort to challenge yourself to achieve small personal goals. Doing a tough workout, running a race or losing weight will give you a sense of purpose that will filter into other parts of your life. As a trainer, I’ve been fortunate to help people from all walks of life grow personally by using fitness as a vehicle for self-improvement, and during this time I’ve seen some incredible things. I’ve seen the discipline people develop when they realize committing themselves to a goal can yield great results. I’ve witnessed the confidence people gain when they transform their overweight bodies and get into the best shape of their lives. I’ve watched people with diseases and physical handicaps overcome adversity by becoming stronger and improving their quality of life. I’ve experienced the positive attitude one gets from learning that if you want something bad enough, all you have to do is work hard, and with a little luck it can be yours. Perhaps most important, I have watched people of all ages become physically and mentally healthy by taking the initiative to change their lives through fitness. Some people may believe going to the gym and working out is a waste of time, but for those of us with a little imagination, it’s an inspirational place were people can aspire to be anything they want. |
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