I just spent three hours playing L.A. Noire on my Xbox 360.
I'm okay with that.
A lot of people seem to have a pretty negative view of gamers. When they visualize a guy who spends any amount of time playing video games, they see some fat, greasy nerd in his parents' basement on his 27th straight hour of playing World of Warcraft (and, resultantly, his 27th straight hour without showering).
Needless to say, they aren't known as being the epitome of health and fitness.
And while it's certainly true that there are people out there who prioritize video games over, say, brushing their teeth, this just isn't the case for most of us. In fact, I think there's at least one common trait between gamers and people who partake in strength training.
I want you to think back to when you were a child. Remember when you were little and you dreamed of slaying monsters, fighting evil and rescuing damsels in distress? Well, some of us never stopped dreaming. Heroism is etched into our very souls, and deep down we know we were meant for something great. Video games offer a glimpse into a world where we have the chance, a place where we can confront evil, whether it be with our quick wit or a broadsword.
As for training, it can bring us a little closer to being able to perform such actions. We train because the part of us that dreamed of undertaking great deeds never died. Every time we hit a new personal record or look into the mirror and notice how much our bodies have improved, we know that we've leveled up in life.
I think that gamers and weightlifters alike have that itch for greatness; the need to be ready for the dragon attack, the zombie apocalypse, or, hell, when Bowser steals your woman.
So if you're reading this and you're an avid gamer, I propose that you start a diet and training program and not only be a hero in spirit, but be able to look and perform the part as well.
If you're already a fitness-minded individual, pick up a controller and come closer than ever before to fulfilling your fantasy of saving the world.
I'm not saying there's an impending zombie apocalypse or anything, but I'm going to need all of you to be ready, just in case.
Yes, I realize there are those guys out there who work out solely because of their own insecurities. They feel tiny inside so they try to compensate by getting big and strong enough to become the bully. They're the villains. The Horde Orc that hides in the woods, waiting for low-level Alliance to run by. The Sith that enjoys burning Rebels to a crisp with Force lightning, completely unprovoked. These men are the Yang to our Yin. The Biff to our Marty. The... Skeksis to our Gelflings?
And then there are those of you who play video games, because, well, it's fun. You don't play Mass Effect as yourself, and make decisions that you would make if you were actually in that situation. It's purely for the escapism, and I'm fine with that. It's kinda hard to be the hero in games like Grand Theft Auto IV, but I play them anyway because it's a damned good time.
My point is, don't ever let anyone make you feel ashamed for doing something that you love to do. Just don't lose sight of all else (I've been guilty of this myself). If you start neglecting your friends, family and significant other because you're too wrapped up in Black Ops, it's time to back off a bit and redirect your focus. This of course goes for everything in life: games, work, the gym -- don't let it consume you.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I still need to work out before I go to work.
It's all about balance, baby.
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