Getting Fit Like Aristotle
Aristotle (Greek: Ἀριστοτέλης Aristotélēs) (384 BC – March 7, 322 BC) was a Greek philosopher, a student of Plato and teacher of Alexander the Great. He wrote on diverse subjects, including physics, poetry (including theater), biology and zoology, logic, rhetoric, politics, government and ethics. Along with Socrates and Plato, Aristotle was one of the most influential of ancient Greek philosophers.
“It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.”
Don’t jump from fad diet to fad diet or from one piece of ridiculous machinery to the next. Slow and steady wins the race. (Not the actual race, it’s a metaphor, stupid.) Work hard to develop healthy habits one at a time and keep them for life. When you find some crazy new diet on the interweb, don’t assume it’s gospel. Analyze and experiment to find out what works for you and train yourself to let go of what doesn’t.
“Man perfected by society is the best of all animals; he is the most terrible of all when he lives without law, and without justice.”
Saying to yourself, “I’m going to get in shape this year” is kind of worthless. However, saying to yourself, “I’m going to run 10 minutes today” is an objective physical goal, and it’s a lot easier to do than getting into shape this year. Set a daily physical goal for yourself, not an esoteric foggy notion of something that must be done before you find yourself popping champagne again.
“Pleasure in the job puts perfection in the work.”
Don’t do a workout that makes you depressed. Working out Mad? Yes. Sad? No. Remember when running and jumping was fun? Find something you like about your workout and focus on it. It could be solitude or just the pleasure of using your body for something it was made to do.
I’m not saying if you don’t relish every moment of physical activity, then you don’t have to exercise. (If that were the case we’d all be fat instead of just most of us.) I’m saying find something to like about your chosen method of calorie burning, and you’re much more likely to stick to it.
“The gods too are fond of a joke.”
And that joke is your hips. Or my belly. Look, we were all made who we are and we must play that hand in life, but the way you play it is up to you. Learn to laugh at what you truly cannot change (still write your congressman, stop wishing Krispy Kremes contained any redeeming nutritional value) and your productivity and health will skyrocket.
“We are what we repeatedly do.”
Come on, this one is a no-brainer. Find out what you want to be, and then do it. Do you want to become a weight lifter? Then pump some iron. A runner? Then run for it. Sounds stupid-simple, right? Well, not quite.
Most people get all tripped up when it comes to becoming something. They think the right head-to-toe matching outfit will make them a runner. Or that the right swanky gym membership will turn them into a healthier person. These are possessions, not actions. They won’t turn you into anything. There’s no silver bullet you can purchase. They can make the journey more comfortable. They can reward you along your way, but it all comes down to what you actually do and what you’re able to do over and over again.
“What is a friend? A single soul dwelling in two bodies.”
Get a workout buddy with a shared view of fitness. This is the best way to motivate. Find someone at your same physical level, and set a common goal between you. Vanity is a vice only when used for evil. It’s OK that you’ll run faster or lift more if someone you like and respect is next to you. Use it to your advantage.
“I count him braver who overcomes his desires than him who overcomes his enemies.”
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, “@&%$ The Joneses!” Constantly competing with those around you is no way to live a fulfilling life. It’ll leave you stressed out and in debt. Competition is a good thing, but when it’s over empty physical possessions, it can be toxic to your physical health as well as your relationships. Make sure your ambition is a personal one, and then make a beeline for the finish.
“With regard to excellence, it is not enough to know, but we must try to have and use it.”
It is safe to assume, by the fact that you’re reading this, that you seek information about improving your mental and physical health. OK, here’s how to start. Take you’re hand off the mouse. Back away from the screen and do something now. (Read that hyperlink when you get back.)
Related Stories
POSTED IN: How To, Philosophy, Prevention, Your Mind
1 opinion for Getting Fit Like Aristotle
Scott
Jan 18, 2007 at 11:50 pm
“With regard to excellence, it is not enough to know, but we must try to have and use it.” - I thought this one was quite funny as i sit here eating a bowl of lucky charms… I know full well the proper nutrition and exercise yet it is often times hard to turn back a chocolate or motivate myself to wake up in the morning and go take a jog. Thank you for the good read!
Have an opinion? Leave a comment: