I think it was about 1982 when a friend recommended a movie to me. That movie was ‘First Blood’. This was my first introduction to the character John Rambo and the actor Sylvester Stallone.
I was soon hooked on the ‘Rocky’ movies. I watched 3 first then 1 and 2.
At that time I was just getting into weight training and had a home gym, this was the poster I had on my wall.
In 1988 I moved to Bolton and started training in a commercial gym. It’s now called J.R.’s Fitness Centre but was originally called Physiques.
It’s ‘Old School’, no saunas or jacuzzis here please!
I use to go in and before I commenced training I’d put a cassette on which had the Rocky tunes on, it always started off with ‘Eye Of The Tiger’.
It wasn’t long before I was given the nickname ‘Rocky’.
I still train there, 26 years later, albeit with a little less enthusiasm. (And I’m still called Rocky).
And…tonight…I’m going to see the guy that has motivated me for over thirty years, they say never meet your heroes, hope I’m not disappointed!
Update:
Well, I finally got to see my hero. He was a bit late but worth it! He’s a great raconteur!
