The Louis L'Amour Workout: A Legend's Legacy
I've always been fascinated by the routines of famous men, and the fitness regimens of icons like Steve McQueen and Bruce Lee have been a source of inspiration. So, when I had the pleasure of interviewing Beau L'Amour, son of the renowned Western novelist Louis L'Amour, I was eager to uncover the secrets behind his father's daily workout routine. What I discovered was a fascinating insight into the man's dedication to health and self-improvement, which I believe has much to teach us.
A Man of Many Talents
Louis L'Amour, born in 1908, was a man of many talents. He was a boxer, a physical laborer, and a writer. His workout routine was a reflection of his diverse interests and the demands of his various pursuits. Beau shared with me a treasure trove of his father's weekly to-do lists, which provided a window into L'Amour's disciplined and active lifestyle.
The Importance of Exercise
L'Amour's workout routine was not just about physical strength; it was a means to maintain his health and vitality as he aged. At the age of 58, he was diagnosed with back pain, which was exacerbated by his sedentary lifestyle as a writer. His doctor advised him to avoid lifting heavy objects, but L'Amour, determined to overcome this challenge, embraced weight training. This decision not only alleviated his back pain but also transformed his body, allowing him to lift thousands of pounds.
The Workout Routine
L'Amour's workout routine was a well-rounded approach to fitness, consisting of three key components: conditioning, the iron (weight training), and discipline at the table. His conditioning routine included jump rope, stationary bike riding, heavy bag work, walking, and boxing rounds with his son, Beau. These activities provided a solid foundation for his strength and endurance.
The iron sessions were a circuit of exercises targeting both the upper and lower body. L'Amour performed bench presses, overhead presses, flies, curls, rows, triceps extensions, grip work, shrugs, and lat pulldowns. This circuit was a comprehensive workout, ensuring that all major muscle groups were engaged.
Discipline at the table was about mindful eating. L'Amour aimed to maintain a weight of under 220 lbs, sometimes striving for 210 lbs. He skipped snacks when cutting weight, demonstrating a disciplined approach to nutrition. His commitment to a healthy diet complemented his rigorous exercise regimen.
The Power of Consistency
What's truly remarkable about L'Amour's workout routine is its consistency over the years. Despite his advancing age, the routine remained remarkably similar from 1968 to 1983. This consistency is a testament to the power of habit and the importance of sticking to a routine. It shows that a well-designed workout plan can be sustained over time, even as our bodies and circumstances change.
A Legacy of Health and Vitality
Louis L'Amour's workout routine was not just about physical strength; it was a means to maintain his health and vitality as he aged. His dedication to exercise and self-improvement is an inspiration to us all. It reminds us that we can achieve great things, even as we get older, by embracing a disciplined and active lifestyle.
In my opinion, L'Amour's legacy extends beyond his literary works. It is a legacy of health, vitality, and the power of consistent effort. His workout routine is a reminder that we can all strive for greatness, no matter our age or circumstances. So, the next time you consider skipping a workout, remember the legend of Louis L'Amour and the power of a disciplined approach to fitness.
