The Louis L'Amour Workout: A Daily Ritual of Strength and Self-Education
The legendary writer Louis L'Amour, known for his Western novels, had a secret to his longevity and productivity: a rigorous daily workout routine. Beau L'Amour, the son of the great novelist, shared his father's weekly to-do lists, revealing a consistent and diverse fitness regimen that spanned decades. This article explores L'Amour's workout philosophy, its benefits, and its connection to his creative pursuits.
A Boxer's Discipline
L'Amour's workout routine, which he maintained from his 60s to his 80s, was inspired by his boxing training and a desire to stay fit and healthy. Born in 1908, he trained as a boxer and worked physical labor jobs, focusing on speed and endurance. After World War II, he continued his exercise habits, but it was in 1966, at the age of 58, that he began a more serious commitment to lifting weights. This decision was prompted by a niggling back pain, which his doctor advised him to avoid lifting anything heavy, including his own child.
L'Amour's response to this advice was to lift thousands of pounds in a session, curing his back pain and demonstrating his determination to take control of his health. He wrote in 1976, "I started lifting weights carefully, with very light weights, as I’d had a bad back since riding in jeeps during WWII. Now I can lift five to six thousand pounds in a couple of hours, and after my work-outs I feel great...since I began lifting weights I’ve had no more back trouble."
The Workout Routine
L'Amour's workout routine was a well-rounded regimen, consisting of three main components: conditioning, the iron (weightlifting), and discipline at the table (dietary habits).
Conditioning (the Boxer's Base)
- Jump Rope: A classic boxer's exercise, jump rope improves coordination and cardiovascular health.
- Stationary Bike: Provides a low-impact cardio workout, ideal for joint health.
- Heavy Bag Work: Simulates boxing techniques, improving hand-eye coordination and upper body strength.
- Walking: A simple yet effective way to improve overall health and endurance.
- Boxing Rounds: Training with his son, Beau, kept his skills sharp and added a competitive element.
- Abs and Sidebends: Targeted exercises to strengthen the core and improve posture.
The Lifts (Barbell and Dumbbell)
L'Amour performed a circuit of exercises 6 times a week, focusing on both upper and lower body strength:
* Bench Press: A compound exercise targeting the chest, shoulders, and triceps.
* Overhead Press: Strengthens the shoulders and upper back.
* Flys: Targets the chest and shoulders, promoting symmetry.
* Curls: A classic bicep exercise for arm strength.
* Rows: Strengthens the back and improves posture.
* Triceps Extensions: Isolates the triceps for better definition.
* Grip Work: Enhances grip strength, beneficial for various exercises.
* Shrugs: Targets the upper back and shoulders.
* Lat Pulldowns: A compound exercise for the back and biceps.
Discipline at the Table
L'Amour's dietary discipline was as rigorous as his workouts. He maintained a standing goal of staying under 220 lbs, sometimes aiming for 210 lbs. He avoided snacking between meals, ensuring a balanced and controlled approach to nutrition.
The Benefits of L'Amour's Workout
L'Amour's workout routine had multiple advantages. Firstly, it kept him in shape, allowing him to continue his physical labor jobs and boxing training. Secondly, it provided a structured approach to self-education. As a writer, he scheduled his workouts alongside his writing tasks, demonstrating the importance of discipline and time management. This routine enabled him to stay focused and productive, even into his 80s.
Personal Reflection
As someone who values physical and mental strength, L'Amour's workout routine resonates with me. His dedication to exercise, despite his age, highlights the importance of taking control of one's health. The combination of physical training and self-education is a powerful approach to personal growth and creativity. It reminds me that staying strong is not just about physical appearance but about having the energy and resilience to pursue one's passions and finish the work that hasn't been completed yet.
In conclusion, Louis L'Amour's daily workout routine was a testament to his discipline, self-education, and commitment to health. His legacy continues to inspire, showing that a consistent fitness regimen can be a powerful tool for personal growth and artistic creation.
