When Fitness Isn’t Enough: Rediscovering Purpose Through Movement

There was a time when being fit wasn’t just part of my life—it was essentially my job description. In the military, your ability to move under load, stay calm under pressure, and communicate with clarity wasn’t optional. It was survival. Every physical skill had a purpose, and that purpose ran deep. Fitness wasn’t about just aesthetics - It was about leadership, responsibility, and being the one others count on. That kind of fitness carried weight. There was pride in a high physical fitness ( PT) test score, in knowing your peers respected you and your subordinates looked up to you.

When I transitioned out of the military, I still had my passion for fitness. I became a coach. I trained hard, got certified, and poured myself into helping others get stronger and move better. I competed in bodybuilding, dove into CrossFit, and kept chasing performance goals like I always had. But the fulfillment I once felt wasn’t there. I was still fit. I was still moving. But something was missing.

As i mentioned in my last post - things began to shift when I returned to coaching soccer. It reconnected me with something deeper—community, mentorship, the joy of shared movement. On the field, it wasn’t about reps or max lifts. It was about connection. I was leading again, not just through workouts, but through presence. That familiar sense of purpose started to resurface.

Still, the final piece didn’t click until I read Outlive by Dr. Peter Attia. In it, he introduces the idea of the Centenarian Olympics—training today for the things you want to be able to do in your 80s and 90s. Not just to live longer, but to live well. That hit home.

Because when I think about the life I want decades from now, it’s not about six-packs or max deadlifts. ( Not that those aren't part of the plan 🙂) It’s about tossing the grandchildren in the air and catching them without hesitation. Lifting them onto my shoulders for a ride. Running beside their bike. Playing catch. Carrying my own luggage and sliding it into the overhead bin without needing help. That’s real strength. That’s why I train now. I still push myself. I still believe in effort and discipline. But the intention has changed. I’m no longer training just to perform—I’m training to participate. To be capable. To be present.

For me, being fit means being able to say yes to the things that matter. It’s about being strong enough to live fully, not just look the part. It’s about staying ready—not for a mission, but for life. If you've ever felt like your training lost its spark, like it became just another box to check… you’re not alone. Maybe it’s time to ask a new question—not “how strong can I get?” but “strong for what?” I’ve asked it. And the answer keeps showing up in everyday moments, not just in milestones. That’s the kind of fitness I’m chasing now. And it’s a pursuit I’d invite you to join.

What does fitness mean to you today? Has your definition shifted? Feel free to share. I’d love to hear your perspective.