Movie Fitness: 3 Movies That Inspired Me To Get In Shape

Today, I’m joining The Fit Dish Link Up (hosted by Jill and Jessica) to talk about the movies that have inspired me to make a change to my once-sedentary fitness level. This is the perfect topic for me, because I love movies.  I am frequently found in the midst of a Netflix marathon - the only kind of marathon for which I am currently a Grand Master. There is often a stigma surrounding pop culture’s ability to cause people to act, particularly if those actions are negative.  Still, some movies can inspire people to do amazing things and make great changes.

There are 3 movies that have helped shape my own interest in running, in fitness, and in making wellness a bigger part of my life.

1) Run Lola Run 

This was one of the first movies that really got me interested in giving running a try.  Never mind that the titular character Lola was running primarily to save her boyfriend’s life from thugs.  She still looked cool doing it, and I imagined how I might run through the streets while barely breaking a sweat.  In reality, my runs actually go something like this:

      2) Premium Rush 

 

      Damn, bike messengers are amazing athletes!  Seeing them dodge in and out of rush hour New York traffic was like watching a ballet of strength and fitness.  Now, that’s a workout that gets the heart pumping and the legs moving.  Man, I really need to get to spin class!

      3) G.I. Jane 

 

     This goes without saying – Demi Moore was in phenomenal shape for this movie.  I cannot tell you how many times I’ve replayed that training scene in my mind – the one-armed pushups, the reverse crunches, the pull-ups.  I always remember the quote about her struggle to pull her own body weight out of the water.  G.I. Jane helped me realize that fitness is about more than being skinny; it’s also about gaining muscle, getting strong, and pushing past your physical limits.

 

  

 

What movies or scenes have inspired you to get in shape?