Tuesday, February 24, 2015

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? 

12 comments:

  1. Interesting. Run, Lola, Run was on the other day and I didn't get to watch it, but it sounded very interesting.

    I remember watching Run, Fatboy, Run and thinking that if a smoking, drinking, out of shape Simon Pegg could run a marathon, I could certainly run something.

    The action scenes from Rudy always get me going, too.

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    1. Oh, yes, I totally agree with Run, Fatboy, Run! Great movie! It's definitely inspiring, especially the part where he "hits the wall." I'm sure we've all been there! :)

      Rudy is fantastic too. Speaking of, I recently discovered that Sean Astin is an avid runner. I think he's completed a couple of marathons. Very cool!

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  2. Great list, Shannon! Personally I haven't seen any of those movies but I'm not much of a movie watcher. I have heard of GI Jane and Demi Moore looks very hardcore! Chariots of Fire is one of my favorite fitness-inspired movies... and Rocky of course :) Stopping by from the Fit Dish link-up!

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    1. Thank you, Amy! Chariots of Fire - great pick! I completely agree with the inspiration that comes from that movie. I get chills just thinking about that iconic music and the fact that it's based on a true story. =) Thanks for stopping by!

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  3. I would be all sorts of terrified to be a bike messenger in NYC. (Let's be real, I'd probably die.) I actually haven't seen any of these! :[ Will have to see if they're available on Netflix! :]

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    1. I wouldn't make it very far as a bike messenger either! It looks so scary, but exciting too. Let me know if you watch any of the movies - I'd love to know what you think! :)

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  4. I've only seen GI Jane from your list. Demi Moore was definitely hard core fit in that movie. Definitely agree with you on how that movie brings out fitness as not being skinny but strong and pushing past your physical limits.

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    1. It really does make you realize that fitness is so much more than just losing weight. It's about building muscle too, which I think is so important. I'd love to get into the same kind of shape as Demi was in the movie - I'll keep dreaming! :)

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  5. Totally agree with you on GI Jane. That is one of the most awesome movies i have watched. Stopping by from the Fit Dish link-up!

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    1. It's such a motivational film, at least for the training scenes. I can only imagine how difficult it would be to get through Navy Seal training! :)

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  6. I haven't seen any of these movies but I love how Demi Moore looks like such a bada$$ in GI Jane.

    Thanks for linking up with the #fitffam!

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    1. She's amazing in G.I. Jane - so strong and fit! I could rewatch the training scenes over and over - definitely a huge motivator for me! :)

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