Sit Mens Sana In Corpore Sano

A sound mind in a sound body. Of all the things we're asked/required to do in the UBBT, let's not forget to TRAIN. I believe that physical fitness brings us rewards that go well beyond physical strength, flexibility, and endurance. Hard training hones the mind and the will as surely as it builds muscle and tendon.

It is to be prayed that the mind be sound in a sound body.
Ask for a brave soul that lacks the fear of death,
which places the length of life last among nature's blessings,
which is able to bear whatever kind of sufferings,
does not know anger, lusts for nothing and believes
the hardships and savage labors of Hercules better than
the satisfactions, feasts, and feather bed of an Eastern king.
I will reveal what you are able to give yourself;
For certain, the one footpath of a tranquil life lies through virtue.

— Juvenal (Roman poet, 2nd century AD)

This week, I've done a lot of fitness training. Hundreds of push-ups and sit-ups. A high intensity cardio kickboxing workout, too (while raising $700 for Haiti relief — a two-fer!).

Here's a short clip of part of my training session from this morning:



This is my cross training. No punches, no kicks, no forms. (Rest assured, I'm working on those things, too!) When I'm not doing "martial arts," I'm focusing on my strength, joint mobility, flexibility, and cardiovascular endurance. I find that when I'm in great shape, somehow the rest of my life just seems to click. I'm in a better mood. I feel more confident and more energized. I smile more with my family. I sleep better. I'm more generous. The list goes on and on.

So let's train hard, inspire others, and grow in ways we've never imagined.