Gaming is a transformative hobby enjoyed by millions. However, finding a balance between virtual havens and real-life pursuits is imperative. Leading an active lifestyle helps combat sedentary practices from gaming. Furthermore, many people, including the writers at LOGNET, find fitness inspiration through video games and media icons.
War Machine – Jacob MacDonald, Associate Author of LOGNET
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As a comic enthusiast, War Machine, AKA James Rhodes, pushes me to be the best version of myself. Throughout his existence as a Marvel mainstay, Rhodey has overcome a lot of adversity in his life. In the MCU, he overcame spinal paralysis. In comic books, he took up the mantle of Iron Man when Tony Stark relapsed into alcoholism. Furthermore, he also cheated death multiple times through cybernetic enhancement, continuing his duty as a superhero.
Like all superheroes, this story is only a work of fiction. That said, his loyalty to both Tony Stark and his unabated sense of motivation feels very real. War Machine embodies loyalty and determination, even after navigating tremendous obstacles.
Physical and mental health matters, for you and your closest friends. Rhodey stood by Tony in his time of need and remained strong despite being repeatedly injured. Health is wealth – nobody gets left behind, and nothing can hold you down!
Solid Snake – Mahmood Ghaffar, Editor-in-Chief of LOGNET
Growing up, I was massively influenced by Solid Snake. After first seeing him scuba dive into the bay of Shadow Moses, I was instantly drawn to Snake. Subsequently, his tolerance for pain and his endurance are things I strive to achieve.
Despite the constant pain inflicted upon Snake, his vulnerability was also highlighted, and it was these moments that showed that despite adversities, he would still pick himself up, even after being dragged through hell and back.
Snake will always have my admiration for both his mental and physical strength.
Master Chief – Alex Patsy, Associate Author of LOGNET
Fitness was never a regular part of my life till about two years ago. At this time old health issues were entering my life again and I knew I needed to make a permanent change. First, I started off by making small tangible changes like cutting certain things out of my diet and walking more; and now I work out a few days a week and even completed my first spartan race earlier in the year. My recommendation is to learn to use the gym to feel better, not to beat yourself up or chase a burn. Start with that mentality and you will go far. Also, accept early on that the journey will not be perfect and you will make mistakes like skipping a normal gym day. Don’t let that derail everything.
Since I’ve been in love with video games for over 30 years, many have inspired and motivated me. The one I would like to mention here is Halo 3. It was released in 2007, a pivotal era for me. Halo 3 is a story of Master Chief experiencing loss and betrayal. Even then, Chief fights to the end. The soundtrack to this day still gets my nerves pumping!
Sonic – Robert Kellet, Assistant Editor of LOGNET
One of the biggest inspirations for my health has to be the positive messages and imagery seen in the Sonic series. The entire franchise is focused on characters using their strengths to overcome trials, all to help protect others and save the day.
As a huge fan of the franchise’s music, I find the positive and high-energy vocals in many of its tracks to be powerful tunes that I listen to daily during my walks, runs, and exercise in general. You would be surprised how a track like ‘Undefeatable’ or ‘Escape from the City’ can get you in a running mood.
Erza Scarlet – Ty Tano Community Manager and Senior Author of LOGNET
Fitness journeys face adversity often. Erza Scarlet is no stranger to adversity. She is an S-class mage from the Shonen Jump anime, Fairy Tail. The anime introduces Erza as one of the strongest mages in the Fairy Tail guild. However, viewers learn how much she fought for this strength later on.
Erza escaped slavery as a child and vowed to never be hurt like that again. She trained hard and often until she could stand at the top as Titania, Queen of the fairies. However, the different armor she downs reflects the armor encasing her heart. Many lessons came her way for her to acknowledge this shortcoming and open her heart to others.
I started my fitness journey years ago, falling in love with the science and feeling healthier in my life. However, I too share Erza’s struggles when it comes to showing vulnerability. I am no stranger to pain and emotional turmoil, however life goes on. I find training and weightlifting to be an art that brings peace to the mind and body. Furthermore, Erza shows me a chosen family can be stronger than any family found in blood. Their love helps set my own heart ablaze to never back down.
Finding Balance in Fitness
Health is Wealth can be great, however, media consumed online may warp expectations. Social media often presents an artificially perfect image of people. Instagram models, fitness influencers, bodybuilders, and more, show a particular idea of what it means to be healthy, fit, and beautiful. However, people do not see what happens behind the screen and individual circumstances.
Entertainment media also has this issue. Many of our favorite stories show protagonists are drawn a certain way: hyper-muscular/lean. It is a fantasy shared by many, yet actual humans vary greatly in body types and their upbringing. It is completely valid to draw inspiration from these icons, however, expecting a 2D model’s features to match your own is not realistic or healthy.
Women especially suffer from these false expectations. Many animations show unrealistic proportions to garner sex appeal. This is not a problem by itself, but repeated exposure and use as the majority of fictional women portrayals is unfair. Furthermore, following these tendencies can prove precarious for people to fall prey to severe, unhealthy habits of dieting, binging, and the like.
What CAN You Do?
There are simple acts people can stick to whether they are just starting their fitness journey or have been chasing it for years. The Health is Wealth mindset also calls for practitioners to enjoy all aspects of life, not torture themselves to achieve certain standards. It is key to remember this
Test Your Might
Increasing your daily activity is an effective way to burn more calories and not need a dedicated exercise block. Park your car further away in a parking lot to gain extra steps. “Getting your steps in” might be overplayed, but it still rings true. Walking more translates to your body expending more energy.
Taking the stairs up a story or two instead of the elevator is another active option over a sedentary one. Ironically, you may save time this way too. How many times have you experienced waiting for the one working elevator with other people for a tedious amount of time?
Finally, start and end your day with five to ten minutes of stretching. Many people neglect their flexibility, yet it is important to help prevent injury. If you are constantly stiff as a board, you snap under too much pressure. Additionally, stretching helps promote blood flow throughout your body!
Fuel Your Gains
People hear the word “diet” and start to stress. However, this word is vastly misconstrued. A diet is any person’s eating habits, not specific ones. Thus, the next tip is to promote healthy dieting through intuitive eating.
Tracking calories is often detrimental to one’s mental health and can prove taxing. Conversely, being smart about your eating is both healthy and less troublesome. Aim to get a balance of your macronutrients: carbohydrates, protein, and fats. Fat is not your enemy, it is a source of stored energy in the body. You would wither away without it.
Additionally, protein is key to building and maintaining muscle. Most people do not get enough protein in their day so be sure to fuel your muscles! A great way to balance meals is to limit or eat smaller portions. Use a plate for your meal (or any receptacle).
Limit yourself to one plate to help with overeating. Our minds are often faster than our stomachs. Eating slower allows your stomach to send signals to your brain that you are sated when you finish! You would be surprised how you feel taking a moment after your plate is clean.
Never Give Up
Fitness is a journey, not a sprint. Every day is a unique adventure akin to each person being different. As such, some days will be better than others. Missing a workout, having too much to eat, mental health is down, these things can and will happen. However, it is not the end of the world.
Choosing to get back up and come back the next can forever propel you up the mountain. Your nakama, the companions and loved ones around you are also on a journey. Learn to lean on one another and be vulnerable when need be in fitness and in life. Health is Wealth is not a destination, it is a mindset; one that you carry forever.
