Warrior - Inspiring, Motivating & Moving

The last month has been hectic to say the least. Between shooting and scheduling shoots, writing, and editing photos I needed to make time to step away from work and indulge in something completely separate today - something that would take me out of the office and take my mind off all current demands.

8:00am. For the first time in months my day began with some casual level training. While watching the Secret Service and CIA in action on the National Geographic channel this morning, I sat on my spin bike and incorporated some Super-Sets of TRX and Kettlebell exercises. Perhaps this is a normal way for many in the fitness industry to start their day but with the summer being extra busy, and with so many projects on the go, I am quite proud of myself for taking that first step back to creating more healthy, active habits once again.

Several years ago, part of my escape was to go to movies. I liked doing this at least once a week, typically on a Friday evening. This afternoon as I worked away, I had the urge to see what was playing at the local Galaxy Theater. Two movies caught my attention - The Debt and Warrior. Somewhere during my travels to or from Toronto I had caught a glimpse of trailers for both shows. I remembered Warrior is one Dana White, UFC President, suggested on Twitter. I've enjoyed some good fighting movies over the past few years including Million Dollar Baby and The Fighter, however, I have seen quite a few cheesy ones as well, some of which I didn't hesitate to walk out of. How would Warrior fair?

I can usually tell within the first thirty seconds of a movie if it's going to be a quality produced flick or a waste of my time. I must admit that I didn't recognize the names of the main actors with the exception of Nick Nolte, a guy that typically brings a ton of talent to the silver screen. It was also great to see top MMA fighters Nate Marquardt, Erik Apple, and Anthony "Rumble" Johnson as well as Olympic gold medalist and pro wrestling superstar Kurt Angle in the show. The first thirty seconds gave me confidence this was going to be a good choice. How good? Once I caught a glimpse of the performance of each of the four main characters, I knew it would be a hit.

Without giving anything away, I must say that the story was powerful and the acting and action superb.  It provoked emotion and although it was predictable, it still had me sitting on the edge of my seat almost as if I was watching Georges St. Pierre and Carlos Condit do battle. There was no over the top Hollywood lighting and special effects. It was raw, gritty, for the most part realistic and moving. To be honest, it was one of the best movies I have seen in a long, long time. 

Another upside to watching an incredible movie like Warrior is that it hypes you up to train. For me, hitting the heavy bag is one of my favourite forms of cardio. I left the show wanting to breath in the fresh air while getting active.

How was your weekend? What did you do to change up your schedule and find some additional inspiration?