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NYCinephile .
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 # Posted: 17 Nov 2006 13:57


What are your favorite fitness-related films?

Two to start: Personal Best and Rocky---the original only, please.


Jennie W
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 # Posted: 17 Nov 2006 14:23 - Edited by: jnorr993


Ahh yes, I am inspired by a lot of movies - even some that may not be strictly fitness related, but are about people who push themselves to their limit to achieve something that they want more than anything else. Most of the time it is the mental block that the characters overcome that is the hardest. After they overcome that, the rest seems to be a breeze. I think it is the same in everything we want to achieve in life - including fitness. The mind is a very powerful thing.

Most high school football movies inspire me, so there would be too many to name here. Other than that, I will vote for a few even though this is by no means a comprehensive list:
Miracle
Cinderella Man
Million Dollar Baby
GI Jane
Cool Runnings
NYCinephile .
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 # Posted: 17 Nov 2006 15:27 - Edited by: NYCinephile


@Jennie W: Some intriguing selections on your list (have seen Jane, but not the others).

It's funny that you mention the power of football-related films...I'm not a big fan of the sport itself, but do like certain movies that have it as a subject, for the reasons you mention...Friday Night Lights, for example, and Any Given Sunday.

One of my favorite scenes from AGS.
Joe Briefcase
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 # Posted: 17 Nov 2006 15:33


Texas Chainsaw Massacre, House Of 1000 Corpses, Halloween, Saw, Scream, Hostel, The Devil's Rejects, and the A&E documentary on Jack The Ripper.

You don't want to know my exercise program.
Jennie W
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 # Posted: 17 Nov 2006 16:36


@NYCinephile: I own both Friday Night Lights and Any Given Sunday. Both good choices.

Since you like Rocky, you should watch Million Dollar Baby and Cinderella Man as I listed above as well as Against the Ropes. I think boxing movies show individual perseverance, overcoming mental roadblocks and accomplishment the best. I would love your feedback on those after you have watched them.

Jen
Shiny Penny
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 # Posted: 17 Nov 2006 16:59


Almost any episode of Alias. Jennifer Garner is ripped in that show. (I suppose she also looks as good in Electra and Daredevil, but I haven't seen those).
Brandon Wood
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 # Posted: 17 Nov 2006 17:48


Quoting: shinypenny
Almost any episode of Alias.


Amen brother! Alias was one of my favorite shows on TV. Too bad it was cancelled

If you haven't seen Electra or Daredevil, don't. It will only tarnish the good image of Jennifer Garner for you.
NYCinephile .
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 # Posted: 17 Nov 2006 18:15


I'm clearly revealing my origins as a runner....Chariots of Fire.
Felinesleek Cat
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 # Posted: 17 Nov 2006 18:31


If TV shows count, then The Oprah Winfrey Show has been an inspiration. Her 'brother' Bob talks a lot of sense. So does Dr Oz. My motto about not eating aftre 7:30 pm was adopted after seeing her shows. It was one of the diet strategies that helped me shed weight.
Shiny Penny
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 # Posted: 17 Nov 2006 20:06


Quoting: bcwood
If you haven't seen Electra or Daredevil, don't. It will only tarnish the good image of Jennifer Garner for you.


I've been tempted to watch them, but the reviews have scared me off. Maybe if I watch with the mute on....

Quoting: Renu
If TV shows count, then The Oprah Winfrey Show has been an inspiration.


I never have time to watch her show, but I must second this. I really admire her honesty about her struggles with weight loss and her willingness to share her journey to a healthy lifestyle with her audience. It's nice to see a public figure who uses their popularity for good.


Leo -
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 # Posted: 18 Nov 2006 06:07


Dodgeball.
i mng
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 # Posted: 18 Nov 2006 07:24


URLI like a movie i saw when i was younger staring james ballushi called stripes
ooty nice
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 # Posted: 18 Jan 2007 18:05 - Edited by: ooty


I netflixed "Running on the Sun" URL

I had never heard of the 135 mile Badwater race. It was a bit hard for me to watch initially as I kept trying to view it in the wee hours of night when the TV is available to me and found myself falling asleep because it is adocumentary and bit dry. But then, my teenage son started watching it one day during the day and I joined him and I was totally inspired. Ordinary folks ..may be not ordinary.. great determination, one of them an amputee.., the power of the human spirit is just plain amazing and always makes me want to do better in life. They run under scorching sun and the scenery is not something that motivates me.. I like green and this is desert land.. but when a runner has to pull out of the race, my heart breaks.

If you rent it and find the beginning boring, don't give up. Please watch it fully. The magnitude of what they are trying to achieve is mind blowing.

To me, running has been teaching me many life lessons.


Next on my Netflix queue is: "Without Limits".
Kat G
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 # Posted: 18 Jan 2007 18:46


I love the film "Take the Lead". It's inspirational to me in so many ways. I started a ballroom dancing club here at my school, and we've come a long way in such a short time. We now have a pro teacher and are signed up for competitions.

I am really into ballroom dancing and seeing all the exciting dancing and the beautiful bodies has been a great inspiration. If anything, when you think you have to train to look like a ballroom dancer, I think that if you just practice the ballroom dancing itself then the weight comes off. Too bad I can't take more lessons! I have so much fun and don't realize how tired or sweaty I am until I am in the car on my way home.

Try ballroom dancing! It's addicting! ; )

Kat
K M
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 # Posted: 18 Jan 2007 18:55


Invincible
Fred L
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 # Posted: 18 Jan 2007 18:56 - Edited by: bigmex44


"Remember the Titans" is my favorite sports/inspirational movie. This might even be my favorite movie of all time.

Jennie, I love "Miracle" also.

Oh if we are going to talk about TV shows, then "Biggest Loser" is my most inspirational one.
Jessie A.
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 # Posted: 18 Jan 2007 19:34


Martial arts movies. The hubby is a big fan of Bruce Lee so I've seen hundreds. Lee is just so...fit...and unfortunately kinda on the dead side. So sad.

@Shiny Penny-Good call on Alias. Jennifer Garner even managed to look hot during the final season! ;)

~Jessie~
Emer S. Smith
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 # Posted: 18 Jan 2007 19:59


Miracle rules, but nothing beats Slapshot.

Run Lola Run is quite inspiring, but GI Jane is my "I wish I was her" inspirational movie.
Chris Hansson
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 # Posted: 18 Jan 2007 20:05


Rocky
Rocky II
Rocky III
Rocky IV
Rocky V
Rocky VI (Rocky Balboa)
Paul Erickson
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 # Posted: 18 Jan 2007 20:24 - Edited by: schmelding


Breaking Away!

Chock-full of tasty '70s goodness.

Edit: And Hoosiers.
NYCinephile .
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 # Posted: 18 Jan 2007 20:46


@kat: Have you seen Strictly Ballroom? It's an early film by Baz Luhrman, director of Moulin Rouge.
NYCinephile .
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 # Posted: 18 Jan 2007 21:15


Marathon Man

Is it safe?
Kat G
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 # Posted: 19 Jan 2007 16:12


@ Nycinephile: Thanks for the suggestions, I saw a trailer and I am going to rent it tomorrow----can't wait! : D
K M
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 # Posted: 19 Jan 2007 22:53


I LOVE SLAPSHOT!!!!!!
Fred L
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 # Posted: 22 Jan 2007 04:31


Quoting: chrishansson
Rocky VI (Rocky Balboa)


I saw this yesterday. I was so surprised that I actually liked it.
Shiny Penny
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 # Posted: 22 Jan 2007 04:39


What's Love Got To Do With It. Angela Bassett's arms and legs were to kill for.
tHe SbAsTiAn pRoJeCt
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 # Posted: 31 Jan 2007 04:28


The incredibles, i know it's an animated movie but the part where Mr Incredible has to go back in shape is pretty good. I wish i could do the same ....that fast ...but again i'm not Mr incredible ..lol...
Stephanie Q
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 # Posted: 31 Jan 2007 05:54


@ Kat: I love dance movies too!
I watched Center Stage, Take the Lead, Step Up, Save the last dance and the reality show, So You Think You Can Dance.
Just seeing how fit they are is inspirational.
I used to do some dancing in high school. Not a great dancer but I really enjoyed it!
ooty nice
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 # Posted: 31 Jan 2007 10:43


It kind of does not fit in here. But I was so inspired to get fit when I enjoyed River Dance on Stage.. what a fantastic production. My only regret is that I never saw it with Michael Flatley performing it live. I saw the video and he is the best.
NYCinephile .
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 # Posted: 31 Jan 2007 13:18


@ooty: I agree with you. Precision dancing, and films with strong dance set pieces (Flashdance, Fame, West Side Story , etc.) are inspiring.

I think this is because of the energy conveyed by fit bodies in powerful, carefully controlled motion.
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