My recent lumbar spine compression has me thinking about a new era of training. I've proven that I can be strong. At 57 years old I'm hungry for some new challenges. So while I was training today I thought hard about how I would like to see my new style of training shape me as a Physical Culturist. What person could I look to for a model of physique but more importantly performance that I want to epitomize? 

We all remember that opening scene of the movie Troy. The Greeks invade the country of Thessaly. The two kings, King Agamemnon of the Greeks and King Triopas of the Thessalayians decide to let the victory be decided by a battle between their best men. Triopas calls for his best warrior, a near 7 foot beast made of muscle and scars named Boagrius. The Thessalayian army cheers as they part like the Red Sea to let this monster come to the front of the lines.

Agmamemnon is kept waiting as he calls for Achilles who is played by Brad Pitt. When Achilles finally arrives the Thessalyian army erupts in laughter at what appears to be an easy win for their warrior simply comparing the sheer size and muscle he carries to Achilles' average size and muscle mass.

The two warriors begin to engage. Achilles begins a full-on run at Boagrius gaining speed with each yard he covers. Boagrius begins throwing spears, the first of which is deflected by Achilles shield. Achilles does something that appears reckless and casts off his shield. The next spear misses him narrowly. He now picks up speed as his stride widens not being weighed down by his shield. His focus is intense.

Boagarius begins to swing his sword in anticipation of Achilles being within striking range within a few strides. Now for the amazing. Achilles leaps high up and to Boagarius' left completely catching him off guard. While floating from above he drives his sword with one smooth thrust through the trapezius and down into Boagarius' heart as he passes overhead of him.

Achilles hits the ground and slows down, never even looking back to see if his strike was effective. He knows it was. He then stops in front of the Thessalyian army as Boagarius collapses behind him and asks the thousands of men "is there no one else?". Not a single man protests or speaks.

He turns and walks back to the cheers of the Greek army. Victorius and unchallenged. 

For the next chapter of my Physical Culture journey..  I want to be able to exploit everything that has been handed down to me through the evolution of my physical form. I want to hone the skills that make Homo Sapiens the most effective predators on the planet. I want to embody grace while being strong. Quick while being certain. Balance while being precise. I want to be able to channel all of my gifts in fluidity and form.

Lets face it. What good is a heavy squat if you can't run fast enough to save your own life? What good is a bench press if you can't effectively fend off an attack? What good is a deadlift if you can't carry your loved one up the stairs?

For this next chapter of my journey I want to be like Achilles. Strong. Quick. Agile. Fast. Steady. Effective. Humble. And I want the peace and confidence that knowing I have these gifts conveys.