Can There Be Only One?

 Every once in a blue moon, I would try to find the 90's show Highlander and re-watch the series, seen it in it's entirety about 3 times and still never gets old. That sound of Freddie Mercury and Queen hammering that intro of "Princes Of The Universe" is just incredible. The series was definitely way better than the movies (except the very first one). This brings me to what I thought about writing today, in the spirit of Highlander when it pertains to exercise, can there Be Only One?

Like the immortals in the Action/Fantasy genre, exercises come in different forms and some are very unique but also, many have been around for centuries and have often times evolved while others stick to the conventional idea and have a history with tradition. Within the comparisons of the life and times of Duncan Macleod of the Clan Macleod, certain exercises can help you become a warrior, an athlete, be prepared for what lies ahead, able to last with a woman or man (this is for the ladies as well) and they also develop wisdom and knowledge as they teach you what works and what doesn't to give you the best advantage. After all, Duncan has lived for 400+ years.

All immortals are chasing that one goal, to be the last one standing and claim the ultimate prize. Now, if you've ever seen the movies and know what that prize is, you know the importance of it even though the 5th and final film kind of ruined it's reveal in an unclimactic way (even Adrian Paul admitted that) but the idea is in its true form, the prize is what gives them ultimate power. What if we brought this idea into reality and look at the aspects of what is the ultimate exercise, what is the one that gives you the very best and helps you be in the best condition?

The truth of the matter is, the ultimate exercise or workout in the real world only helps that individual achieve their own goals and give them a sense of what they're trying to accomplish. A goal that leads them to their biggest prize such as a beautifully sculpted physique, a trophy in athletics, the right to be called the strongest or fittest, a champion in their chosen sport or to maintain incredible health. 

I have written before that the Bear Crawl was possibly the one exercise to rule them all but is it the true one to help claim the ultimate prize? I'm not so sure anymore because things change and the body has different needs at different times in life. As of right now, the one exercise that really hits many things and can be done anytime and anywhere is a variation of what I call the Hindu Burpee (a combo of the Hindu Squat and Hindu Push-up). I still do my carries, step ups, slams and rollouts but this variation of the Burpee (also known as a sub variation of the Sapate exercise Hindu Wrestlers do), hits so many muscles and combines a stretching component and fat burning elements that are powerful. 

What's the Endgame? What is the true ultimate prize? In my opinion, it's Mastery. It's the ability to master yourself and taking the knowledge you have acquired and formed your own style that leads you to the greatest achievement that you can possess.