6 Fitness Tips We Can Learn From The Legend of Zelda
Nerd alert!
The Legend of Zelda might be the greatest and most influential video game series of all time, and I will gladly debate anybody who says otherwise. No matter how many times Link has to collect the Master Sword, smash some pots, burn some bushes, beat Gannon, and save Zelda, each game manages to find a way to redefine how games are played. Link to the Past is the defining game of my childhood, Wind Waker is severely underrated (the black-and-white underwater scene was freaking incredible), and Ocarina of Time is a masterpiece that may never be topped. As you can tell, I’m kind of a big fan.
Now, for today’s post I’d like to look back at the game that started it all, the original Legend of Zelda for NES (gold cartridge what what). You’re probably wondering how the hell I’m going to relate this all back to fitness. Just trust me:
- “It’s a secret to everyone” - Remember that Moblin hiding in the cave who’d give you a bunch rupees just for going down there? Yeah, not a great secret, but helpful nonetheless. I’m gonna be honest with you, there’s no secret formula when it comes to getting in shape either. Any site that claims they have the SECRET formula to building more muscle or losing fat faster is full of crap. It takes hard work, dedication, motivation, and determination. There’s your secret to everyone.
- Playing the dungeons out of order: Sure you can skip the first few dungeons and jump into the tough ones with just a wooden sword and 4 hearts, but you’ll probably get your ass kicked. Why not play the dungeons in order, get some heart containers, build up your skillz, acquire a few items, get the red suit, and then go after the tough levels? You might be all amped up to start excising and sign up for a marathon tomorrow. Instead, begin with the Couch to 5k program and slowly work your way up to a 10k, half-marathon, and then a marathon. Baby steps!
- Play the Rupee Game – You know that cave where you can go gamble 10 coins and try to win more? Sure it’s got nothing to do with the main quest, but it’s surprisingly fun and a great distraction. I’m not telling you to start gambling (I do enough of that for both of us), I’m telling you that it’s okay to have some damn fun every once and a while. Don’t spend every day grinding it out on a treadmill; mix it up!
- Be Well Rounded – If you’re going to beat Gannon, you need to be proficient with a bow and arrow, boomerang, bombs, and sword. If you’re going to be well rounded in life, you’ll need to be strong, agile, and quick. Don’t spend all your time pumping up your chest and biceps. Do squats, deadlifts, and pullups, go for a run, try yoga, and train for explosive power. Remember, “appearance is a consequence of fitness.” Link would agree.
- Prepare for Boss Battles - Although there’s an overworld with cool secrets and enemies, the real meat of the game takes place in the dungeons. You know at the end of these things, you’re gonna face a big boss like Ghoma (the one-eyed spider thingy) who stands between you and the Triforce. Find some boss battles in your life by signing up for a race or competition a few months from now. Make sure it’s a goal within your reach, but one you’ll have to push yourself in order to do well. Without that challenge looming, it’s easy to slack and spend all day pushing rocks and burning bushes.
- Power of Three – It always takes three hits to kill the bad guy in Zelda. When confronted by a bully in real life, three kicks to the crotch should do it. I cannot stress this point enough.
You’ve been asking for more “nerd” to go with the “fitness.” Welp, how do you like them apples?! Feel free to add your own Zelda “tips” in the comments. Some other random Zelda stuff:
- Here’s a link to a sweet desktop background of the Master Sword. Do it.
- Buy your own Ocarina here.
- How about some trivia: In the original Zelda, what path did you need to take to get through the Lost Woods?
-Steve
One week until the launch of my free e-book: A Newbie’s Guide to Fitness, Vol. 1. I’m not attached to the title, so if you guys have any suggestions for other kick-ass names, let me know!
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Don
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Steve
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Joe
