This past week, I went to see the movie Act of Valor with my father. The story is about a Navy SEAL team doing an extraction of a kidnapped CIA agent and following the intelligence the mission uncovers. This movie is based on real life events and the roles of the SEALs in the movie are played by actual Navy SEALs. What does this have to do with fitness? As you’ll see, quite a bit.
Fitness and the movie Act of Valor: Lesson #1
Navy SEALS discipline their bodies in incredible ways to be able to achieve the level of fitness they have. As you’ll see from the movie, it is quite remarkable.
I have been working out with a friend who was in the Navy. As it turns out, quite a bit of the moves we are doing in P90X2, he has seen Navy SEALs doing in the gyms. I love that I am working out in some of the same ways as some of the most elite athletes in the world. It’s that kind of discipline that will get me results.
If you want results, you too have to be willing to step out of your comfort zone and start building your discipline muscles.
Fitness and the movie Act of Valor: Lesson #2
The amount of sacrifice required by the SEALs (and any armed serviceman for that matter) is extraordinary. They give up time, distance from loved ones, more lucrative careers, and sometimes their lives, to keep this country free. They understand the big picture.
To get fit and stay fit also requires sacrifice: junk food, laziness, and a little time with the family. In exchange, you can experience the kind of freedom that healthy bodies can have: freedom to enjoy exercise, freedom from injuries, freedom from being ashamed of your body, freedom to wear clothes you like, and freedom to enjoy the kind of active lives our bodies were created to experience.
To get fit, you have to have perspective about the big picture and be willing to sacrifice for it.
Fitness and the movie Act of Valor: Lesson #3
The logistics in place for the SEALS to achieve their mission was incredible. Everything was thought out, contingency plans in place, and a proper response ready for nearly every scenario.
The same goes with getting fit. You must think things through by thinking like an athlete. You must have a plan and be ready for the unknown (like all the special occasions that pop up). And you must keep the end goal in mind… and quitting is not an option.
To improve your fitness, you have to be exceptionally intentional, both in the gym and in the kitchen.
Fitness and the movie Act of Valor: Conclusion
I’d encourage everyone to see Act of Valor, regardless of your politics or where you are on your fitness journey. There are some great parallels to our fitness. Like the SEALs, if you want results you’ll need resolve and determination. You’ll need to really “own” the bigger picture and be willing to sacrifice for it. If you want to fitness results that last, you’re gonna need to develop the habit of being intentional.
Tweet ThisEven more significant than the similarities to our fitness, Act of Valor is a testament to the abilities and determination of our armed services. It’s an eye-opening look into how such military operations are carried out. Most importantly, it’s a recognition of the unimaginable sacrifices that are made to secure our freedoms.
It’s not the easiest movie I’ve watched in a while, but it’s certainly the most important.
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