I have to credit Sly Stallone with influencing me in fitness, although that is not the (only) reason that I love the original Rocky. I used to make it a point to see every movie that won the Academy Award. The night that Rocky won, I was intrigued by the scenes they put up (including the ice skating scene), and when Sly began his impromptu bout with Ali, I was hooked. I saw the movie with some reluctance, even so. Not a fan of boxing (though I appreciate aspects of it more now than I have in the past). But the very heart of the story simply captivated me. The sweetness and heroism of it. By the time the story ended and the violin music came up I could only sit and stare at the screen. I don't think I've ever had a film impact me quite like that one. More than thirty years later, it's still my favorite movie o f all time.
The last Rocky film, Rocky Balboa, put out in 2006, was the one that convinced me to finally go into fitness as a professional. Seeing how great Sly looked at 60 told me that the game wasn't over yet.
So, thanks, Sly for great movies (yeah...I love the other Rocky's, too, just not QUITE as much!), and for the inspiration!
Okay, now I'm happy! My youngest client (17 years old) asked me who'd inspired me to become a trainer, and I told her that, in part, it was Sly Stallone. Okay, I'm old...she didn't know who he was! I said, Rocky? Rambo? Never heard of those. Well, no client of mine is going to get away without having seen Rocky at least once! I rented it for her, plopped it into her hand, and with a grin told her to enjoy it. She did. Thoroughly. Said it really inspired her and she loved it.
