The stage is set for this year’s Academy Awards celebration. While celebrities are getting the glitz-and-glam treatment to get red-carpet ready, your Oscar-day preparation may include a lot more lounging and popcorn eating as you get caught up watching the nominees. The problem is, once the credits roll, you might be more inclined to just lie back and watch more movies instead of getting up and getting moving. And to that we say, you should.
No, this is not an encouragement to be lazy. In fact, it’s just the opposite. There is motivation to be found from watching movies. You just need to pick the right flick. We’ve compiled a list of all-time favorites films featuring strong females that are sure to get you off the couch and amped for your next workout.
Lights, camera, action!
Watch: Hunger Games and Catching Fire
Why: Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen knows how to survive and relies on both her archery and cardio strength to be the last one standing.
Your Role: Create an obstacle course that combines strength training equipment and aerobic exercise. Set up stations, such as one for kettlebell swings, one for deadlifts, one for box jumps, and one for sit ups. Run laps or for time in between each station. As you work your rounds, you’ll be getting a great full-body workout that is sure to turn you from prey to predator.
Watch: Million Dollar Baby
Why: While the ending may not be as uplifting as we’d like, watching Hilary Swank play a determined female boxer looking to fight for a spot in a male-dominated sport is sure to make your fitness obstacles seem pretty petty.
Your Role: If your gym has a punching bag, add a couple whacks to it as part of your warm up to see what you think. Like it? Why not take a boxing class. Classes are available where you never have to take a hit.
Watch: Kill Bill
Why: Uma Thurman’s character must kill or be killed, and she’s too tough to just lay down and die. There’s a lot of bloodshed, but if you can stomach the violence, the martial arts in this movie will motivate you to kick ass in your own workout.
Your Role: Take it up a notch. If you’re fitness routine has become, well, routine, try something more challenging. If you’ve been running flat lands, add some hills. If you do yoga, go for the next level up in arm balances. If you usually workout on your own, sign up for a team sport where others will depend on your skills.
Watch: GI Jane
Why: As the first women to undergo training in the U.S. Navy Special Warfare Group, Demi Moore as Lieutenant Jordan O’Neil wants to be held to the same standards as the men.
Your Role: Before you shave your head, book yourself in a boot camp, which combines cardio, strength, and martial arts. Work with your friends, and you’ll have an army of people to support you.
Watch: Whip It
Why: Bumps and bruises aside, there’s something really fun and exciting about the girl power that exudes from a roller derby track.
Your Role: Strap on some skates and start rolling. You don’t need a tough name like “Miss Behavin’” to have a little fun on four wheels. However, if you’re looking to up the intensity, see what roller derby teams are in your area. Even if you don’t make the team, some offer day workshop events to let you get your grrrl game on.
Next time you’re lacking motivation, just pop in a movie. Before you know it you’ll be dropping the popcorn and heading out to burn some fat. What movies motivate you? Share with us in the comments.
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Carrie Anton is a freelance writer focusing on health, fitness, and sports. She's been published in Self, Women's Health, Oxygen, and Maximum Fitness.
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