‘Fortune favors the bold’ when one is working out
The phrase “fortune favors the bold” is credited to Roman playwright Terence back in 161 B.C. Terence wrote the phrase for the play “Phormio” in which Pliny the Elder led his men to investigate the eruption of Vesuvius near Pompei. The famous phrase has been used millions of times since 161 B.C., referencing everything from entrepreneurship to dating strategy. This week, I’ll discuss the metaphorical connection between Terence’s dialogue and physical activity.
Risk tolerance is an element of personality that bleeds into every part of life. It affects the way people
drive their cars, handle conflict and even where they reside. It’s so pervasive that the avoidance of risk has even become a valuable marketing tool. Whether it’s a car manufacturer claiming to have the “highest safety rating” or a real estate agent touting a neighborhood’s low crime rate, people find comfort in limiting their risk exposure.
For personal health and wellness, I’d argue that “fortune favors the bold” and that risk avoidance is overrated. Those who achieve their fitness goals are often less concerned with the associated risks. Strains, sprains and scrapes will occur at a higher rate if one is physically active. But these little annoyances are but inconveniences on the journey to better health.
When considering the alternative (physical inactivity), the risks are far greater in the long run. Obesity, heart disease and diabetes are more prevalent among populations who do not meet recommended physical activity guidelines. Fortune, in this case, is optimal health and disease prevention.
Are there examples of catastrophic injury during physical activity? Sure, there are. But taking a jog around the neighborhood carries an incredibly low risk. Back in 2017, Runner’s World published an article about the story of three-time Olympian Ron Hill, a dedicated lifelong runner. Hill ran every day for 52 years and 39 days before taking a day off. No sick days and no serious injuries for over five decades. If that story doesn’t demonstrate that fortune favors the bold in physical activity, nothing does.
As the slogan goes, “just do it.”
This week’s exercise is a perfect addition to a low-risk physical activity program. The Rainbow Med Ball Slam is an easy way to challenge the entire body after a solid cardiovascular session.
1. Select a medium weight medicine ball and stand with your feet shoulder width apart.
2. Extend the medicine ball over your head while holding it with both hands.
3. From here, quickly move the medicine ball to the right in an arc pattern.
4. As you reach hip level, force slam the ball against the floor.
5. Pick it back up and move the ball from your right hip in a rainbow arc over your head and to your left side.
6. As you reach hip level, slam the ball against the ground again.
7. Continue these rainbow arc slams for 12 repetitions, two sets.
Ironically, some of my most successful clients were initially the most risk averse. The key, in my estimation, is developing one’s sense of self-efficacy and confidence for a given activity. Knowing one can do it often eliminates any concern of risk. So, let’s tackle the week together!