It might seems strange that building a great set of six-pack abs can be motivated by a World War II General. However, upon closer inspection George Patton was a decorated war hero who led thousands of American troops to victory against overwhelming odds, and his words can help us overcome our training challenges. The following Patton bodybuilding quotes are provided with comments for context.

“You’re never beaten until you admit it.” Picture yourself 45 minutes into your workout, sweating like a dog (even though dogs do not sweat). You have another set of crunches, and a set of kettle bell reps left and you just don’t feel like pushing it. If you listen to the little voice in the back of your mind, you may be convinced to bargain that you will work harder next time but you’ll regret that decision. Gen. Patton’s words should be echoing in your mind about this time. Giving up is a choice and all choices have consequences. Pick the “pay me now” option to avoid the “pay me later” guilt trip that giving up will result in.

“Accept the challenges so that you can feel the exhilaration of victory.” When you think about it, everything that we truly value has come to us at some sacrifice. Your plan for diet and exercise provides the biggest challenge of all. Are you up to following the plan day-in and day-out or do you take short cuts some days because it is easier?

“Better to fight for something than live for nothing.” Take a good hard look at yourself and your goals while you look at others around you. Your ambitions of a physically fit body and a set of six-pack abs is a goal that everyone wants but few are willing to fight for. Each time you think of quitting or jumping off the diet remember that you stand FOR something while others around you that are chomping down on Big Macs live for nothing (and may not be living that long when all is said and done).

“If a man does his best, what else is there?” The question is “are you really doing your best”? Have you developed a solid plan to burn the calories and keep the caloric balance negative or are you flying by the seat of your pants (which may be getting bigger) and hoping that things work out. Taking this challenge seriously is getting real with yourself and making the commitment to do whatever it takes to reach your goals.

“Success is how high you bounce when you hit bottom.” Eating a Big Mac is easy and provides instant gratification. Getting a great set of six-pack abs is difficult. It requires a plan for caloric discipline that keeps calories in less than calories out and for exercise that will increase the percent lean body mass. It is NOT easy to do this, so the test of your character is the ability to stick to the plan through the tough times when you want to give up. You have given your word that you will adhere to the plan and, in the final analysis, your word is who you are.

Everybody wants a great set of ripped abs, but few are willing to do everything it takes to get them. If you are one of them, the words of General George Patton should inspire you to do what it takes to win the war and savor the victory which will be the reflection of your six-pack abs staring back at you in the mirror. Gen. Patton’s words create a bridge from the military to the fitness battlefield.