Your Personal Training Code: Mobsters, Knights, and Samurai Style
In examining the somewhat unexpected, but intriguing similarities between hardened Sicilian mobsters and the disciplined pursuit of personal training, we make our start with a fascinating tale from 2007. Salvatore Lo Piccolo, an actual boss of the Sicilian Mafia, was nabbed by Italian police who, in their thorough investigation, discovered what they believe to be the Mafia's 10 official commandments. These rules, we can imagine with a chuckle, were likely along the lines of "here's how to be a boss mobster!". Now, while we're not donning sharp suits or dodging police in our daily pursuits, the power of having a code to stick to can definitely translate to the world of fitness.
So, too, with knights and samurais, stringent codes and strict discipline were paramount to their behaviour, success, and survival. Our knights of yester-century weren't just legends in tin armour who trotted about on horseback. They too had a code of conduct, termed 'Chivalry', which bore directions for both battle and everyday life. Similarly, the samurais were not just about dashing sword skills, they lived by a honoured code - 'Bushido'. Both these codes demanded incredible self-discipline. If we can glean anything from these historical figures, it's the powerful influence that a personal code can have.
Now, moving away from mobsters, knights, and samurais and into familiar gym territory, the purpose becomes clear. If we dissect these findings, we discover the immense value of having a code to adhere to in our personal training journey. This can offer a deep sense of purpose and a guiding beacon when we're gasping for breath, quite literally, in the middle of a harsh workout session.
The reasons to have a personal fitness code are multiple and significant. First up, maintaining consistency. Just like our organised crime family or our valiant knight must stay steadfast in their adherence to the code, a solid workout commandment keeps us grounded and persistent. Squeezing in that extra rep, getting up for that early morning jog, or resisting that last slice of pizza can all become manageable struggles when you're holding yourself accountable to a clearly defined set of rules.
Secondly, a personal fitness code can lead to improved motivation. It is not for nothing that samurais trained day in, day out to maintain their disciplined lifestyle. Dedication to a clearly defined code stirs up a fire that helps push through the barriers. Similarly, when you have your set of fitness principles to adhere to, you might find yourself all too eager to beat personal records or embrace new fitness challenges.
Lastly, a personal training code can encourage personal growth and development both inside and outside the gym. Discipline enforced and learned in workout routines can translate into other aspects of life, fostering a growth mindset and improving overall quality of life.
As a workout enthusiast myself from the heart of Liverpool, I know getting your head in the game isn't as simple as lacing up your trainers and jumping into a workout routine. It's the steady resolve, the unyielding discipline, and the relentless pursuit of progress that creates the finest athletes, and well, makes a mean Sicilian mob boss. Remember, "Your body can stand almost anything. It's your mind you have to convince." Taking a leaf out of the mobsters, knights, and samurai's book, it seems, could really give us the upper hand in our journey towards personal fitness.
So, call it your fitness creed, your workout manifesto, or your gym code, having a set of principles is key to forging a successful and sustainable fitness routine – something the Sicilian mobsters, knights, and samurais understood all too well. So, what's your code?