Working Out Is Part Of The American Dream
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

Working Out Is Part Of The American Dream

9

When you work out I doubt the first thing you think about is America, but stop for a minute and think about it. America is the greatest nation in the world. It is due, at least, to the amazing attitude of Manifest Destiny that this nation has.

It’s the get-up-and-go that inspires this nation and motivates us to strive for something more. Every bodybuilder shares this attitude. If America was a person, it would be the most pumped-up buff person alive. It’s in honor of that indomitable spirit that I think going to the gym might be one of the most patriotic acts someone can commit. 

Working out is about as American as it gets. The American dream is all about starting from nothing and working to better yourself and improve your situation. When you think about it, it’s something you do every time you step foot in a weight room. From beginners to professional body builders, everyone who works out began for a reason and that’s what makes this such an incredible concept. It doesn’t matter where you start, everyone can strive for improvement and everyone can aspire to great heights.

 

Your starting point is irrelevant.  What matters is that you are in the gym doing something about it. Some guys are too small and want to build an impressive muscular physique. Some girls want to fit into a smaller dress size. This is like the American dream of starting from the bottom and moving up, just like Drake told us. It’s this drive that is so incredible. The motivation to develop something amazing through intense effort is the same motivation that George Washington felt when he was crossing the Delaware or that Thomas Edison felt when he created light and changed the world,  or Henry Ford when he gave people mobility for the first time. Ha.

 

The spirit of perseverance through adversity in pursuit of something great is a trait in short supply today. That spirit has the ability to do anything from molding an empire of red, white and blue to just shaving a few inches off of your waistline. The idea of improvement through hard work, whether it was Ben Franklin trying to build the greatest nation on earth or Arnold Schwarzenegger trying to get arms so big that he can’t touch his shoulders, is an absolutely American phenomenon and an incredible one. The struggle and difficulties that come with developing a physique just serve to make the eventual rewards even more fulfilling.

 

Maybe I’m being overly patriotic and drawing connections where there are none or maybe going to lift is one of the most patriotic things you can do. Whatever. The next time you go lift and are feeling fatigued, try a little harder and get that next rep up for America!

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

50695
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

32431
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

955673
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

180734
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments