The beauty of physical exercise

No man has the right to be an amateur in the matter of physical training. It is a shame for a man to grow old without seeing the beauty and strength of which his body is capable. ~Socrates 400BC

This quote I found reading “Genius Foods” by Max Lugravere made me think. What I understand Socrates saying is physical exercise holds a reference to life. While aesthetics and strength had played roles in ancient greece as one might picture murmur statues of human physiques, the quote might indicate deeper meaning.

Significant progress in physical training requires a long-term attitude, no matter the sports. There are no quick fixes, no shortcuts – meaningful achievements are a matter of long breath and discipline. Little achievements are a result of consistent effort and will eventually accumulate. Obstacles will be faced along the way. Plateaus and setbacks regularly occur and require the athlete to adjust, adapt, and alternate approaches and exercises - oftentimes with the help of a trainer or training partner. Besides training muscles, this also strengthens certain aspects of character. Patience, temperance, resilience, persistency, and determination might be attributes describing a successful athlete.

In life, challenges might be more complex, yet the same principles apply. Dealing with setbacks, finding a balance between work and life, accepting limitations, and overcoming obstacles draw a parallel to the challenges in sports. These situations challenge character.

Physical training teaches primary traits built with discipline in the long run. These are the foundation of human character. The very aspects - humility, patience, courage, modesty, simplicity, temperance, resilience, and determination are strengthened throughout physical training. In exercising and living, we struggle and overcome obstacles. Through balanced effort and rest, muscle tissue breakdown, and recovery, we slowly build strength, adapt to resistance, and make little steps towards our goals while also developing important properties.

Truly, no human being has the right to be an amateur in the matters of building character. It is a shame for a person to grow old without seeing the beauty and fruits of living with character –strengthened by physical training.