Sometimes, it's good to be bad!

To this day Darth Maul is still by far my favourite villain from all the Star Wars films, despite having roughly 3 lines in the film.

His entire look, from the horns, black caped outfit, crazy acrobatic moves and the awesome double lightsaber just scream badass baddie!

What’s more, you know he means business, no messing around, no moaning or getting angry, he’s calm, cool and collected, knows what his goal is and does what needs to be done. He doesn’t sit there crying about it or complaining (like Kylo Ren from the recent films...meh) he just gets it done, and every other character in the film knows it.

Love him or hate him… you must respect him!

Turns out, that despite all their ‘badness’ there’s a lot to to learn from villains, so with Halloween still in recent memory we figured what better time to use your own inner villain to make ‘scary’ gainz in and out of the gym.

“I can feel your anger. it gives you focus, makes you stronger!” - Emperor Palpatine - Star Wars

We’re always told that anger and revenge is bad… and it sorta is, if you’re consumed by it. But if you use it? It can be a pretty powerful emotion. For example, a friend hated how things were being run at her work and despite a good team, the management was poor. She would often complain about all the gaping problems getting very angry and upset over it, so she used all those emotions to go after a new job. How many other people do you know who don’t do this? Instead they wallow in their anger... that’s what happens when you let it all take over :o

If you’ve been in the fitness industry any length of time or known anyone who’s gotten in shape rarely is it because of the health benefits’. Sure, that’s a fab by-product, but it’s often a reaction to a comment, event or break-up, whatever.

Using that anger to kick start the entire process and keep on track does work. Everyone has insecurities somewhere that got them working out, use the anger and reap the benefits… just don’t become an angry person!

“Why so serious?” - The Joker - Batman, The Dark Knight

Working out is great and all… but it’s not like having abs is totally saving the world (as a load of Instagram posts would have you believe). Don’t take yourself or working out too seriously. Have fun, make progress, but don’t get all weird and obsessive about it. The Joker’s trying to take down a superhero and Gotham City but he’s still having a laugh!

“How did I escape? With difficulty. How did I plan this moment? With pleasure.”

- Edmond Dante - The Count of Monte Cristo (more of an anti-hero)

The main secret to getting in shape is having a plan… and patience. In the Count of Monte Cristo, Edmond is in prison for 14 odd years being patient, preparing and planning his escape and revenge.

Getting in shape for good is simple, you plan a routine and you stick to it… forever. That’s it. There’s lots you can do to mix it up and you can have the occasional week off, cheat meals and all that, but you’re always aware and never let it get out of control.

If you’re too chill with your routine, you’ll forever be that person who’s always ‘getting back into it’ after [holiday, birthday… insert random event]. That’s why it’s so handy to have some ‘guilt-free’ treats to hand ;)

"Never used an Unforgivable Curse before, have you, boy? You need to mean them, Potter!"
- Bellatrix Lestrange - Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

Bellatrix gets that if you’re going to do anything properly good or bad you need to do it with some intensity and meaning… like working out!

It’s great and all turning up, but without any real focus or intensity it’s not going to lead to the result you’re after. I’m sure you’ve seen those folks who sort of go through the motions in between checking their phone? Never really seem to make any progress… #muggles! ;)

That’s all for now folks (part 2 to come), go out and conquer the world!

Henry