Aristotle is arguably the greatest thinker in human history.
Known as “first teacher” and “the philosopher”, his influence spans the landscape of Western thought, from science and metaphysics to logic and ethics to music and linguistics. Quite the résumé.
So what does he have to do with fitness?
More than you might think.
Below are five lessons (quotes) from the man himself, each extolling a specific virtue necessary for success.
1. Knowledge
“It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.”
Learning is vital for success. Accumulating knowledge helps you master fundamental concepts as well as tiny details.
But simply learning is not enough. You must be able to separate fact and fiction. To discern between legitimate and illegitimate sources. To weed out the misinformation that is so rampant in the fitness industry.
Everyone is trying to sell you something. This supplement, this training protocol, this nutrition plan. This book, this ethos, this mindset. This will take you to the next level, they say.
Exercise science has come a long way the last few decades. The right information can pay dividends. The wrong information can have serious health implications.
Tread carefully.
2. Commitment
“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.”
Perhaps Aristotle’s most famous quote. I have it written on a Post-It note stuck to my desk.
Success doesn’t happen overnight. You don’t all of a sudden lose 20 pounds, prepare for a marathon, or set a new personal best in the squat or the deadlift.
Excellence is achieved through hard work and determination, day in and day out. Persistence must become habitual. While others cheat and sidestep and procrastinate, you must remain steadfast.
Define a realistic timeline. Develop a reasonable training regimen. Adjust your diet. Hold yourself accountable.
And most importantly, execute.
3. Intuition
“Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all.”
Fitness is not only repetitions and sets and completed rings on your iWatch. Sometimes metrics don’t matter. Sometimes it’s just about movement.
If you find yourself in a lull, ask yourself this:
“Am I seeing progress?”
“Am I getting a return on my investment?”
“Am I having fun?”
If you answer no to any of these, it’s time to shake things up. Forgo your FitBit reminder to move. Forget what your favorite influencer has to say. Get out there and go.
What do you love to do? Would you rather chase a soccer ball than log hours on a treadmill? Perhaps you’d prefer to build furniture instead of lifting weights?*
*True story of a former client. He’s in better shape than most.
Whatever that answer is for you, go with it. Trust your gut. Follow your intuition. If only for a moment in time.
You’ll be surprised how quickly motivation reignites.
4. Fortitude
“Learning is not child’s play; we cannot learn without pain.”
Pain is our greatest teacher. It provides instant feedback on what we’re doing wrong.
In years past I tussled with injury quite often. A tweak here, a twinge there. A rolled ankle, a stubbed toe, a nagging shoulder.
Instead of succumbing to the pain, I used it as a guide. I was not “injury prone”, I was uneducated. My knowledge of fitness was not what I thought. My knowledge of my own body was not what I thought.
I pressed forward. I made adjustments. Some were easy, others were hard. But all resulted, over time, in a much more satisfying, successful and pain-free fitness experience.
Learning is difficult. Pain is often required.
To embrace pain is to embrace learning.
5. Endurance
“Patience is bitter, but its fruit is sweet.”
Good things come to those who wait.
Fitness can be frustrating. Progress isn’t linear. You can make excellent strides one week then see nothing for three.
Time and time again we look for instant gratification. For that quick fix. For fitness’ version of Amazon Prime. But it doesn’t exist. What exists is the sobering reality of the long road ahead.
Be patient. Stick with it. Cultivate endurance, not just the physical kind. Fitness is not a journey with an end. It’s a journey that never ends. The more you have to overcome, the more satisfying reaching your goal will be.
And the reward for reaching your goal? The next one on the list.
Scott Mayer is a runner, thinker, curious observer and certified personal trainer. Learn more at scottjmayer.com.
Photo courtesy of Unsplash