Your Personal Training Code: Lessons from Mobsters, Knights, and Samurai
What Do Mobsters, Medieval Knights, and Samurai Have in Common?
At first glance, the worlds of fitness and ancient warrior codes might seem worlds apart. But dig a little deeper, and you’ll discover a powerful lesson: success—whether in battle or the gym—requires a code of conduct, a personal compass that guides your actions.
Take 2007, when Sicilian Mafia boss Salvatore Lo Piccolo was arrested. Alongside the usual evidence, police uncovered what was believed to be the Mafia’s “10 Commandments”—a strict moral code to live by (or rule by). Now, you’re not a mob boss (we hope), but there’s wisdom in having a set of personal rules that keep you grounded and focused.
Likewise, the knights of medieval Europe had Chivalry, and the samurai of Japan followed Bushido—codes rooted in honour, loyalty, and discipline. If that worked for them facing sword fights and political intrigue, imagine what a personal training code could do for your fitness journey.
Why You Need a Personal Code for Fitness Success
Creating a set of principles or "commandments" for your workouts isn’t just about sounding dramatic—it’s about accountability, consistency, and motivation. When you hit a wall, a well-defined fitness code helps you push through it.
1. Consistency Through Structure
Just like knights trained daily for battle and mobsters (allegedly) followed rules to stay alive and in power, a fitness code builds consistency. That might look like:
Never skipping two workouts in a row
Drinking water before anything else in the morning
Always finishing the last rep, even when it burns
Having rules keeps your behaviour in check—even when your motivation dips.
2. Discipline That Drives Motivation
Motivation comes and goes. But discipline—founded on a personal code—sticks around. The samurai didn’t train for motivation. They trained because it was their duty. Likewise, following your own training commandments builds mental toughness and long-term commitment.
3. Translating Gym Discipline Into Everyday Growth
Perhaps the most powerful part of adopting a personal training code is the way it spills over into the rest of your life. If you can stick to your code in the gym, you’ll likely:
Eat with more intention
Manage stress more effectively
Tackle life’s challenges with grit and resilience
The gym becomes your training ground for mental resilience—not just physical gains.
From a Personal Trainer’s Perspective: Find Your Creed
As a personal trainer here in Liverpool, I’ve seen firsthand that the people who stick with their training the longest are those who have something deeper driving them. They know what they stand for. They’ve got a system.
Your fitness code might include:
“Show up, even if it’s just for 15 minutes.”
“Sleep is just as important as squats.”
“No excuses. Only adaptations.”
Having a creed gives your routine identity, focus, and staying power.
So whether you model yourself after a mob boss, a knight, or a samurai—adopting discipline gives you the edge. Fitness isn’t just about moving your body. It’s about training your mindset to show up and keep going.
What Should Be in Your Personal Fitness Code?
A strong personal training code should reflect your:
Fitness goals (e.g. strength, weight loss, endurance)
Lifestyle (work schedule, family commitments)
Values (discipline, consistency, mental health)
Here are example principles:
"Train 4x a week no matter what."
"Track meals without obsessing."
"Prioritise form over ego."
"No phone during workouts."
Make it personal, flexible, and actionable.
The Science of Routine and Adherence
Studies show that people who set personal rules and boundaries are more likely to:
Stick to fitness plans
Maintain results long term
Avoid burnout and overtraining
That’s because rules simplify decision-making and build habits automatically.
Famous Fitness Figures Who Follow a Code
You’re not alone in this mindset. Icons like:
David Goggins (mental toughness and consistency)
Jocko Willink (discipline equals freedom)
Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson (ritual and routine)
All attribute their success to structured systems and personal codes—not fleeting motivation.
So, What's Your Code?
Mobsters had their commandments. Knights had Chivalry. Samurai had Bushido. So… what’s your code?Call it your fitness manifesto, gym rules, or personal creed—but whatever it is, let it guide you. When motivation fades, your code will keep you moving. When life gets chaotic, your code gives you clarity.You don’t need to face sword fights or mafia feuds to adopt discipline. You just need to decide who you want to be—and train like you mean it.