Why Fitness is Important — A Commentary on Confidence by Mark Twight (Gym Jones)

What you know does not matter - what you do matters. Physical training produces physical memories - not simply muscle memory but a psychophysical imprint, knowledge that is instinctual rather than intellectual. This is useful knowledge. Instinctive action and reaction is always faster and more energy efficient than intellectually induced action or reaction. 

Any deficiency in physical fitness affects confidence. When an individual realizes he does not have the fitness or skill to accomplish a particular task, or that he cannot use his tools to their utmost, self-doubt weakens both intellectual and physical abilities.

Flagging confidence limits flexibility, preventing appropriate adaptation to various situations. Confidence allows the audacity of original thought. Train such a variety of energy systems (types of fitness) that confidence in the face of any challenge is reflexive.

Strength + Confidence + Flexibility = Strategy (the ability to use it).

The goal of physical training can be summed up in one phrase, "to make yourself as indestructible as possible." The harder a man is to kill, the longer he will remain effective, as a climber, a soldier, or what ever.

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Had this saved from the now defunct Gym Jones website (came to fame for training the actors in 300) — re-reading it served as a nice spark to get back on it, which has increasingly been a struggle into my late 30s. Am going to turn it into a poster and frame it.