Like Socrates famously said, “It is a shame for a man to grow old without seeing the beauty and strength of which his body is capable.” As writers we often spend days, weeks, months, even years sculpting our characters to be as perfect to us as possible. Yet, why do we rarely ever look to sculpt ourselves in the same light?
Yes, there are many answers you may have for that question. ‘I don’t like working out,’ ‘I hate going on diets,’ ‘I don’t like getting sweaty.’ These are all fair reasons, however, how can we ever truly know our characters until we’ve become them?
Below, I will discuss four writers in the present, and one historical writer that I would love to pump some iron with.
Jack Carr
Anybody who has been through the ringer of just starting out on the road to fitness understands that nothing happens without discipline. Who better to instill discipline into someone than a former Navy Seal, Jack Carr. Jack is not only a lethal sniper, but he’s also a bestselling author who wrote “The Terminal List” series. He has a new nonfiction book out called, “Targeted: Beirut.”
Even the most disciplined lifters always shudder to the phrase: ‘Leg Day.’ Many skip it, all fear it. That’s why I would love the opportunity to have Jack Carr be there on leg day to drill me into a machine of war to scrap out a nasty lift that I do not want to do.
Eldon Thompson
Fans of the fantasy genre have probably heard of Eldon Thompson before. Famously known for fantasy series like, “The Legend of Asahiel” and “Warder”, Eldon has masterfully placed himself into fantasy history.
Not many may know, but Eldon had aspirations of playing in the National Football League (NFL), but suffered a truly unfortunate set of injuries to his shoulder and decided to write instead. As a former athlete myself, I would revel with the opportunity to have Eldon become my ‘gym bro’ and demolish our arms with a devastating arm day.
Casey Johnston
Casey Johnston is an author who covers many topics such as identity, health, technology, power, and embodiment. She owns her own column, and her own newsletter. In 2021 she published, “LIFTOFF: Couch to Barbell,” which is a book for women who are just starting their exercise journeys.
Casey, like her newsletter states, is a beast and an insane powerlifter. But what excites me the most is that her approach is science-based and she’s not just your typical ‘meathead.’ Screw having a tiny waist, instead have a body that’s functional and healthy. Because of that, I would love to power through a science-based back day.
Alan Baxter
Alan Baxter is an award winning author of horror and supernatural thrillers. You may have heard of his award winning novels like, “The Hidden City” and “The Alex Craine Trilogy.”
However, what you may not have known was that Alan participates in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) training and could no doubt kick some butt. I’ve heard it’s rather cathartic to get pummeled consensually, and I would love to get my butt kicked by Alan Baxter.
Person of History: Plato
How could this list have been complete if not for mentioning one of the founding fathers of philosophy and the architect of so much body dysmorphia amongst thousands of body builders. Here’s one of my favorite quotes by Plato that always fills me with the desire to lift: “Lack of activity destroys the good condition of every human being, while movement and methodical physical exercise save it and preserve it.”
I can only imagine hitting a PR on the bench press and then Plato dive bombing me with a heavy message on the purpose of humanity to instill in me the conqueror’s heart of Alexander the Great. Therefore, I’m taking Plato with me on my chest days to give me the purpose to lift not only every plate in the gym, but also the world.
These five are my cast of gym mates that I would sculpt my body with, targeting the major muscle groups and then some. Feel free to let me know what you think and any recommendations that you feel should have made the list, too. Remember, just because we’re writers doesn’t mean we need to look like a writer, those I chose broke from that mold and you can, too!
And one more quote from Plato simply because this man was the God of dropping banger one-liners.
“For a man to conquer himself is the first and noblest of all victories.”
Meet the blogger:
DEREK RIVARD is a full-time student at Hamline University where he is studying to complete his creative writing degree. In his spare time, he can be found at your local gym snorting pre-workout and failing on his one-rep bench press but swears he’s “got it.”
