Staving off death is a thing that you have to work at. Left to itself – and that is what it is when it dies – the body tends to revert to a state of equilibrium with its environment. If you measure some quantity such as the temperature, the acidity, the water content or the electrical potential in a living body, you will typically find that it is markedly different from the corresponding measure in the surroundings. Our bodies, for instance, are usually hotter than our surroundings, and in cold climates they have to work hard to maintain the differential. When we die the work stops, the temperature differential starts to disappear, and we end up the same temperature as our surroundings. Not all animals work so hard to avoid coming into equilibrium with their surrounding temperature, but all animals do some comparable work. For instance, in a dry country, animals and plants work to maintain the fluid content of their cells, work against a natural tendency for water to flow from them into the dry outside world. If they fail they die. More generally, if living things didn’t work actively to prevent it, they would eventually merge into their surroundings, and cease to exist as autonomous beings. That is what happens when they die.
Reflecting
There isn’t more to it. There isn’t a hack. It is all stuff you more or less knew when you were a child. Just commit and do them consistently. 1% more. Every day. As simple as possible:
Lift weights. Bike fast. Ski fast. Row fast. Sprint hard. Walk more. Breathe deep. Stand tall. Train hard. Eat clean. Cut junk. No booze. Rest up. Get lean. Stay lean. Get strong. Stay strong. Don’t stop.
Stave off death; don’t revert to a state of equilibrium. Not yet.
Training
This morning’s whiteboard: partner workout.
50-40-30-20-10
Cals on the bike while partner dead hangs.
Cals on the row while partner holds a handstand.
“No sweat” desk exercises today included Ironmind band hand extensions. These are cheap, transportable, and worth doing. There are lots of constricting hand exercises but fewer extensions. Good for at your desk or in your car.
Fueling
New flavor. 4 out of 5 stars. Amazing for 15 calories and 0 g sugar.
Supplementing
Timed-release caffeine pills just arrived, intended to take at bedtime with a capsule that dissolves after eight hours. Pricy and gimmicky, but still curious to see how they work and if they help waking up.
Measuring
Some big numbers from some big men so far this weekend at the ongoing 2025 Arnold Strongman Classic.
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Recovering
Healing. Joints recovering well. Eager to squat heavier.
Closing
Training Montages -- AI reviews movie scenes:
Here’s the countdown version of the Top 10 Most Inspiring Hardcore Training Montages—building up to the ultimate number one!
10. Pain & Gain (2013) – Over-the-Top Bodybuilding Training
Mark Wahlberg and Dwayne Johnson take their workouts to ridiculous levels in this high-intensity, over-the-top montage. It’s part satire, part pure motivation—showing extreme weightlifting, hardcore gym sessions, and absurd levels of muscle obsession.
Song: "Gangsta’s Paradise" – Coolio (in parts of the film)
9. Never Back Down (2008) – Jake’s MMA Training
A modern-day Karate Kid, this film features Jake Tyler undergoing brutal MMA-style training under a no-nonsense mentor. The montage highlights endurance, discipline, and Jake’s transformation into a powerful fighter.
Song: "Someday" – Flipsyde
8. Kill Bill Vol. 2 (2004) – The Bride’s Training with Pai Mei
Uma Thurman’s character, Beatrix, endures grueling training under the merciless Pai Mei, pushing her body to its absolute limit. She’s forced to do fingertip push-ups, break wooden planks with her fists, and develop deadly precision—classic martial arts discipline at its best.
Score: Quentin Tarantino’s signature old-school soundtrack
7. Warrior (2011) – Tommy & Brendan’s MMA Training
This film features two amazing training arcs—Tommy trains in a brutal, military-style way, while Brendan builds endurance and technique. The contrast between raw aggression and controlled skill makes it one of the best MMA training sequences ever.
Song: "About Today" – The National
6. Batman Begins (2005) – Bruce Wayne's Ninja Training
Before becoming the Dark Knight, Bruce Wayne trains under Ra’s al Ghul, mastering combat, stealth, and psychological warfare. The snowy mountain setting, sword training, and endurance exercises make this one of the most visually striking montages ever.
Score: Hans Zimmer’s "Molossus"
5. The Karate Kid (1984) – Daniel’s Training with Mr. Miyagi
The ultimate lesson in patience, discipline, and technique. Daniel unknowingly learns karate through daily chores like waxing cars and sanding floors—only to realize he’s actually mastered defensive moves. The moment of realization is legendary.
Song: "You're the Best" – Joe Esposito
4. Bloodsport (1988) – Frank Dux’s Kumite Training
Jean-Claude Van Damme undergoes some of the most painful martial arts training ever put on screen—being split into near-impossible flexibility positions, training blindfolded, and smashing bricks with his bare hands.
Song: "Fight to Survive" – Stan Bush
3. Rocky III (1982) – Rocky’s Redemption with Apollo
After losing to Clubber Lang, Rocky goes back to basics with Apollo Creed. Speed, footwork, and endurance become the focus as Apollo helps him regain his fire. The beach sprint sequence (and slow-motion hug) is one of the most famous moments in Rocky history.
Song: "Gonna Fly Now" – Bill Conti
2. Creed II (2018) – Adonis' Desert Training
Adonis Creed is broken—physically and mentally—after his first fight with Viktor Drago. To reclaim his strength, he heads to an unforgiving desert to push himself past his limits. Sledgehammer drills, running in extreme heat, and brutal body conditioning make this one of the most grueling training montages ever filmed.
Song: "Ice Cold" – Future & Mark Batson
1. Rocky IV (1985) – Rocky vs. Drago Training
The king of all training montages. Rocky trains in the harsh, snowy wilderness of Russia using raw, old-school methods—chopping wood, carrying logs, and running up mountains—while Ivan Drago trains in a high-tech facility with steroids and cutting-edge equipment. The contrast between the two fighters is what makes this montage so iconic.
Song: "Hearts on Fire" – John Cafferty
Life is not about how not to die, on the contrary, it is about to live, enjoy although with moderation