What Can Rocky IV Teach You?

I want to be as well known as a Charles Poliquin. Also, I want to be an NHL Strength Coach. Finding ways to keep athletes strong and injury free. That motivates me, to stand out and not be like everyone else. As Duke says in Rocky 4, “your going to have to go through hell and face worst than any nightmare you ever dreamed but in the end you will come out on top” …..something like that.

Joel, dude, I’m a huge movie buff too. As far as the Rocky movies go, I really liked Rocky III – in fact I wrote a post with a video inspiration from Rocky III:
Seize the Day – There Is No Tomorrow. What Apollo said really struck with me – “…there is no tomorrow.”

But yeah – that fight against Ivan Drago in IV was killer. Pure underground training VS. the Russian lab super-fighter.

As for my motivation/reason why – I put some of my thoughts in this post:
Your Reason Why for Getting a Hot Body… Or Any Other Goal

Cheers,

Yavor

What motivates me? Just one word – disgusted. I am disgusted with the last four to five kilos which I can’t shed. Feeling disgusted and frustrated just kicks my butt up to exercise. You see nothing like positive, enjoyable, serene etc…etc…

Rocky IV has been my sole motivation for training =]

After seeing the ripples on Rocky’s body as he takes his robe off just before the pair face off, and the pec-flex as he struts to face Ivan Drago.. Ah man i got so jealous i just kept training and pushing my body to its absolute limits to get something similar..

Joel, you have an awesome taste in movies =]

My motivation is to look and feel my very best. Happy is attractive! Confidence is sexy! As a single 38 year old I want a partner who is motivated and energetic in all aspects of life, so that is who I will be.

I’ve carried excess weight for most of my life, and now I don’t. I’m lean, fit strong and healthy, and rarely get ill. I used to be told ‘You have a great body (for your age)’. Now I’m told ‘You have a great body’.

Everyone assumes I am much younger than I am :)

I think my greatest motivation is when my body is fit, strong and healthy which results in my mind working in just the same way. So I’m indirectly striving to be at my best: mentally.
Now, for more motivation, Im gonna get that movie!!

My motivation is for my kids but also for myself as well. Being over weight and having to litterally drag your self around all day is no fun at all.
I used to be so active, and then once I got sick it was all down hill from there.
So Yeah basically I want my life back so I can feel better look better and be the kind of mum my kids deserve.
As far as any Rocky movie goes………LOVE the motivation……but not the violence. (JMO) ;)

I find it too easy at times to just skip the workouts. I really want to be healthy for my grown up kids, as an example to them. Also with a married daughter I want to be around for my grandkids. That is a very big motivator to me.

My motivational reasons are shallow – dropping 25 kg to look stunning on my 50th Birthday. If better health is a by-product then bring it on.

Not a big Rocky fan overall, although Sylvester Stallone is a clever guy and essentially designed that part for himself and pulled it off fantastically. Can’t say I’m THAT familiar with the films, but I guess you could say I am familiar with the character. There is one scene that stays with me from the Rocky films, and that is the most recent one, where he’s already retired and just wants to come back for one last hurrah. His son is an adult, and throughout the film his son is embarresed by Rocky or feels he’s living in his fathers shadow. The scene in that film that gets me is when he confronts his father about how he feels. And Rocky pull shim up by his bootstraps and says “Hey, what the hell? It’s your life, you have to live it the best way for YOU, your own way and by your own steam! And this is my life and I play by those same rules. If you’re going to be the “somebody” you want to be, then do it and don’t look around for excuses, especially don’t blame somebody else! Life AIN’T fair and there ain’t gonna be anything tougher than it. You gonna stand up and do what you have to, or are you gonna stand around and complain about how unfair it all is? Coz I can tell you, it ain’t gonna happen while you have THAT attitude”. More or less. That was not a “word-for-word” of the actual monologue, but that was the gist of it. And he was right.

I have been in Denmark for the past 15 months on a church mission. I have gained about 15 pounds on the luscious Danish pastry and constant potatoes that the members feed us. I am going back home to the states in March and I am determined to lose the weight I have gained before that, and then about 10 pounds more after I return. Following Cheat your way thin has given me a good start. Thanks!

At the end of every workout, I like to tell myself “You are stronger now than you’ve ever been before.” ….”He is made of steel.” lol

Hey thanks for the Rocky IV reminder, great movie and I think I’ll try to watch that soon, haven’t seen it in a long time! I LOVE how creative he has to get in his training. I have to say too that I still love “Gonna Fly Now” from the original movie and everytime I hear it on my workout playlist I can’t help but push harder! If you can hear that, haing seen the movie and not get pumped up there’s something wrong! Haha. My greatest motivation is my 2 grandbabies. I’m a fairly young grandmother and cherish what my health can mean in terms oif being a good example and doing all the things I want to do with them! I also simply love being strong! In addition, I’ve had some challenges with my fitness and I get charged up when I try new things with myself and discover ways to improve and get to share it with other people.

My motivation is my own personal happiness.Being overweight constantly overshadowed my own personal joy.So I’m working hard towards being happy…Not much of a Rocky fan but I get what you’re saying about the message behind it.

The love of my life, her name’s Ceci.
I mean I just want to be the best man possible for her, so I do my best to achieve that goal. I just love her so much!!!
♥

Gotta say its my girl… Tipical right? welllllll, not really…! Every time I see get happy for how I look, it makes me value what I do to get in shape! Belive it or not, making omebody happy other than yourself is much more a reward!! Just wanted to say that!

bummer, I was eating a box of Artisan vermont white cheddar wheat thins
when I read this..maybe thats why I don’t have a 6 pack…

Hello Joel,

What you say about the Rocky series is true. Im a huge fan of the series but my favourite is Rocky III. I too have have faced a similar situation where i was on top of the world and had the rug pulled away from under me. To get back up is tough and the determination required is tremendous. Rocky IV is my next favourite, especially the training in the wilderness. But what really peps me up when im down..”Eye of the tiger”..”..just a man and his will to survive”.

regards

Having to avenge the death of your friend, sure is pretty strong motivation. That strong motivation I can not claim. For me it is winning the admiration and respect of a dear one who thinks I won’t be able to make it.

My main motivation is to look and feel great! At 25 I am now in better physical shape then I was when I was 18, which also motivates me to keep up my diet and fitness regime.

My family is also a big motivation for me. Everyone in my family, except my Grandfather, is overweight and unhappy. My Grandfather is 72 and has been involved with the fitness industry his whole life. He is in better shape then most people 50 years his senior and loves life. He is my inspiration, he is living proof that you can have an amazing body at any age!!!

Hey Joel,

I totally agree that Rocky 4 was awesome.It’s hard for me to choose and say which was best though, because in every film Rocky has to overcome a different obstacle. In each film he is afrai of that looming obstacle but then he finds the will and overcomes it !
By the way, I have the Rocky music themes on my MP4 and it’s what gets me out of bed in the morning to do my workout !!

I tell myself ‘while he s eating am gonna think of something else and in 1 minute when he’s finished i m going to feel better, I didn t need it’, and then I remember all the times I ate something I shouldn t or did not excersise for a few days how lazy and heavy I felt..much prefer reflecting my energetic and happy self!

My problem is that I am toast because I can’t seem to find the motivation. Helllllppp!

My motivation is the kind of work that I do (or want to do at the moment). It’s in the performance arts and you’d have to be in your best shape in order to do it. That said, from time to time it does creep into mind to sleep in whenever I wake up at 6AM to exercise :)
Good post Joel. We all need to remind ourselves about these things from time to time.

Couldn’t agree more about Rocky IV though the Russian attitude portrayed in the film is more of a dramatization than a reflection of reality.

The scene where Rocky climbs a snowy peak and shouts “DRAAAGOOOOO!!!” has my adrenaline pumping hard any day.

My motivation is multi pronged- I would love to present myself as an intimidatingly strong opponent to anyone who wants to mess with me (this comes in handy, specially if you’re a real nice guy and punks tend to take that for granted), the sight and sounds of relatives and friends look at my physique in awe, I have a picture I Googled on my desktop (wallpaper)- it shows a severely obese guy who over the years transformed himself into a lean muscular hunk and finally the greatest motivation that I want to be an example of good health, dedication, reason and kindness for my kids (when I’ll eventually have them)….

I actually don’t think I have ONE big motivation only.. I have a lot of them: an inner desire to be fit and healthy for all my life, not wanting to be a part of modern societys statistics with overweight people and people who die of heart disease, wanting to be fitter, leaner and meaner than the people around me and maybe even being an inspiration for some of them to change, my wanting to be a nutrionist, strenght and or/fitness coach when I grow up (only 18 y old now, what would be compared to a junior in the US) with either a private clinic or working for some high level/ranked sportsclub somewhere around the world..
Even though it might be “confusing” to someone that I have so many motivations, I’ve found that they add up to a powerful combination together with my iron will and concrete determination..

@James Foster –

James

exactly how I would have rated them spot on mate

Phil

My motivation is to loose the fat and get back in shape. I like all the Rocky movies and yes I think #IV is the best.

My motivation is to make the fight team @ my kickboxing studio. We have a rep. for being the best, so I need to be in my best shape; which can’t happen until i’ve shed some unwanted body fat. It’s the only thing keeping me from grabbing a bag of crackers right now instead of cottage cheese!!

Rocky IV was the first Rocky movie I saw, and perhaps it spoiled me for the others because I haven’t had an interest in watching them! I too am inspired to exercise when I think of Rocky’s training in that movie. Another one that inspires me is ‘Coolangatta Gold’ – don’t know if ya’ll have seen that one (Aussie film). Younger brother training to beat his older brother, and he runs up a mountain every day and goes a bit further each time until he conquers the mountain.

My best motivation to lose weight has come when I’ve been a bridesmaid – those photos last forever. I’ve struggled to find another motivation that keeps me strong and focused. Does anybody need a bridesmaid?????

I love the Rocky films. As much as i think Rocky IV is brill, but i feel that the order they came out (Rocky 1,2,3,4,5,6)is the order i would go for. As with any legacy there must be a beginning, and it is here we first noticed Rocky and began to follow his journey.(Well i certainly did). As for my motivation, they come in small packages, my two boys(1 year&11months and 9months). I want to become someone they look up to. Unfortunatley all my free time is all theirs, and find it hard to make time to train. But with the new year approaching i am going to ring about afew changes to my lifestyle and make a genuine attempt to put things in to perspective. Good luck to all, and have a merry xmas.

My children are my number ONE motivation– trying to be a good role model and give them the example I NEVER got. Secondary is my desire to “beat the odds”. I am tired of hearing “as you get older it gets harder to lose it”, “it’s hormones and they make it very difficult” — and more! The fact is at 42 I am in the BEST shape of my life. I am highly motivated to get even better and continue this for my family and for me!

Hi Joel, I cannot lose 5 kilos which has been bugging me for years. Now I have heaps of stuff from you and others there should be no excuse. I really do not want to put any more weight because getting older looks awful fatter. Bye, Dorothy

Im a big fan of all the rocky films,, I agree that Rocky IV is the most motivating because it wasnt only a physical fight, but also a mental fight, and rocky had to fight his own demons and even put his life in danger to avenge his best friends death.
What i personally do for my motivation is to put the list of my goals and a nice picture of me and my girlfriend right next to the alarm clock, and also another copy of the list of my goals and a different picture of me and my girlfriend in the kitchen. It really inspires me.
Joel, thank you for all the great information and advice, because even with the highest possible motivation, if you lack the knowledge, half the battle is lost.

Cheers

Yeah, that’s right, Rocky IV can teach us a lot. I was trying to get into shape many years but I actually ended up sick for 5 months because of really unhealthy life style. Now, my motivation isn’t to look good or be the superstar .. It is to feel FIT and HEALTHY. I focus on these two words – fit and healthy, fit and healthy. It means a lot to me. Good motivation works :-) So go for it and find it!

Hi Joel,

I don’t have a motivation. All my dear ones (family and friends) keep telling me that I look good this way. So I really cannot understand what to make my motivation as. Please let me know if you can suggest something :)

Thanks,
Ats

My Motivation is My HEALTH AND FITNESS IS A PASSION.I am also in th Public eye being a Singer/Performer and a FREELANCE PR AGENT.So it all pretty much goes hand in hand.Lastly i want to push myself out of my Comfort zone which i am in right now and get a CHISELED BODY people keep telling me i WILL NEVER HAVE…..I WILL

Hi Joel, thanks for making me think about it. I was happy to read and get inspiration from the others who’ve written before me – until the last couple lines on not really having a reason hit home.

I am my motivation – I do it for me. To feel good now, for the way I WILL feel and for a long, strong future.

Thanks again

Funny thing is I never really thought what motivates me I just got on and did it like when I gave up smoking it was to ensure my sporting capability didn’t decrease with age. Don’t get me wrong I was never a star at any sport but I could play several to a reasonable standard. As my kids grew up they both were completely natural athletes and it became harder to stay competitive with them. They are both in their 20s and all I need to do is think of my father when I was in my 20s. He was in his 50s and was old! I have no intention of falling into that trap. Even now when I play either of them they know they have had to work to beat me. I suppose what this has told me is that competition is my motivating factor and it keeps me going when the people around me are saying” just skip the gym today” or “have another beer it won’t hurt.” Thanks Joel you made me think about it for the first time.

My motivation is to have a flat tummy. People say that I have to accept that I can’t lose the fat after having babies but I don’t believe them and I refuse to believe them. I know I can change. I know I haven’t put in enough effort before but I’m motivated now and I truly believe I’ll reach my goal.

Health and longivity are my motifiers! I need to get well and fit again after facing my own immortality last year. I have two beautiful daughters I want to see grow into confident, happy women! plus I’d love to look and feel smashing again.

My motivation since I started CYWT has been the cheat days. They have really helped me to keep on track and not reach for the extras. Since I’ve been able to do this I have been motivated even further because I can see my goal is within reach and this time I will reach it!

Great flick, I haven’t seen it in a while, now you make me want to watch it again.

My motivation is my 12 yr old son, who is my life. Phase 1 took place 6 months ago when I finally quit smoking after he begged me for years to stop. Well with that came an additional 25 lbs on top of an already 25lbs of excess weight. Now we are on Phase 2 that started 2 weeks ago!! No turning back!

And I love the Rocky movies as does my son. I love the training part o the movie, it is so motivating !!

It is 5:30 a.m. in Minneapolis and I am on my way to the gym before my 7:30 a.m. meeting. We have 8″ of snow and its blowing and the temp is 10 degrees. The warm bed sounds great, but like Nicky, it is my two grand babies (6 months and 4 1/2 months) that keep me motivated. IT was their births that got me off my butt to lose the first 50# and it is their lives that keep me going in every day to improve myself so I am here to see their children get married …

I gotta get to the gym!!!!!!!!!!

I want to set an example for my four children. They are high school/college age right now and have always been athletes. I want them to see that fitness and health are lifetime commitments. I can only do that by example…sometimes I’m not always a good example, but I try. They are my motivation…plus, there’s no feeling quite like being fit and having good control over your body…physically as well as mentally!

@Joy –

hi Joy,

i feel what your saying. i too struggle sometimes to find motivation. somtimes i have it when im in love and the person im with inspires me to want to start looking my best, sometimes it’s my own vision of how i aspire to be, i get the motivation by visualising my best body in my mind and also remembering the times that i looked and felt my best whether that be in my tight fitting jeans or figure hugging dress that shows my flat as a pancake abs lol. The thing is sometimes the motivation wears off and you find yourself not sticking to the goal and it’s back to square one again. motivation and visualisation is an exercies in itself. it’s a constant awareness that is at times difficult to hold onto but when you find yourself losing focus you must trigger yourself in your mind to remember what and why it is you want to look the way you want to feel. have i confused you? it really is basically a awareness and then finding healthier ways to substitute what may make you feel good. dont ever deny yourself anything.

My motivation for going to the gym and eating healthy is first to be healthy, but second to look good. I like the idea of someday being able to show a little skin when I go dancing, or maybe being brave enough to buy a bikini knowing I’d be able to pull it off. Also, being single and keeping an eye out for the right guy, I feel that what I want in a man I should first see in myself. Smarts and humor and morals aside, if I want a good-looking boyfriend with a six pack, odds are he’ll want a good-looking girlfriend with a nice flat stomach. Slightly vain, yes, but at least I’m honest.

Well joel my two little girls are a big part of it but also I went to a seminar at a health screening and the dr. Speaking talked about risk factors that in his words If was exhibiting would gaurentee me a minor heart attack or stroke in 5-8 yrs so wanting to retire and enjoy my children and a new life is the most powerful motivation that had ever slapped me in the face and that’s my story

My motivation is that i have always had one word in my mind that i want to sum up my physique…….’POWERFUL’. This one word motivates me to wake up at the crack of dawn and hit the gym, and to have a tangerine instead of a candy bar.

I have that word and that ideal physique planted in my mind constantly, and its a strange yet effective motivator.

Nothing tastes as good as slim feels!