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Chivalry Goes to Waist
By Scott Farrell
©2004, Shining Armor Enterprises
www.ChivalryToday.com

Today, there's an increasing amount of attention being given to the
importance of health and fitness - attention that's largely a result of
studies showing that chronic obesity is on the rise. (The World Health
Organization estimates that by 2010, heart disease brought on by
obesity will surpass all other types of infectious disease as the
leading cause of mortality worldwide *.) Odd as it may seem, the Code
of Chivalry can be a part of the solution to this problem.

While it might be interesting to speculate what advice and recipes a
"knight's diet book" would contain (medieval knights routinely ate
dishes containing eels, songbirds, lampreys and kidneys - and seeing a
plate of those might be an effective appetite suppressant), chivalry
doesn't really belong on a weight-loss menu. Instead, the Code of
Chivalry comes into play with the recognition that physical activity is
an important, possibly even indispensable part of avoiding "fad diets"
and pursuing a lifelong style of healthy living.

For medieval knights, chivalry wasn't only a philosophical ideal - it
was a concept intended to be put into action. In fact, the practical
application of chivalry was so vital that the knights created a venue
for its demonstration: the tournament. These tournaments weren't the
elegant, stylish affairs seen in movies - they were rough-and-tumble
mounted team sports that took place across several square miles of open
terrain. Competing in, and even preparing for a tournament was a
strenuous physical endeavor, which meant that exercise and athletic
activity were important aspects of the medieval Code of Chivalry.

Knights recognized that this aggressive physical game presented
participants with challenging opportunities to display the ideals of
chivalry. Given a chance to violate the rules of honorable conduct and
fair play (by going outside the boundaries when nobody was watching, or
attacking another knight from behind, for example), knights had to
weigh the value of their convictions: Cheat and get ahead at the cost
of their own dignity, or play chivalrously and bypass glory and profit
in order to be a worthy role model?

The same challenges can still be found in any modern sport - so
pursuing an appreciation of chivalrous behavior through team sports
like soccer, basketball or softball has the additional benefit of
burning a few extra calories and working off the day's stress. Playing
as part of a group that places emphasis on chivalry and respect as well
as on athletic excellence is rewarding on both a physical and an
emotional level.

The Code of Chivalry also fosters an understanding that the most
challenging competition takes place in your head, not on the field, so
chivalry is an effective motivational tool in activities like walking,
yoga, weight lifting, aerobics or swimming. Recognizing the integrity
and self-respect necessary to reach physical goals - to jog that extra
block or complete the entire weight-lifting routine rather than cutting
things short because "nobody will know the difference" - adds an
increased degree of incentive and accomplishment to every lunchtime
walk or trip to the fitness center.

Perhaps most important of all, however, is the fact that Code of
Chivalry includes an admiration for courage in all its aspects - and
acknowledging the need to lose weight or get in shape is certainly a
courageous enterprise. Making the choice to embark on a regimen of
physical activity, guided by the principles of chivalry, requires
self-assessment, discipline, perseverance and the willingness to risk
failure. Chivalry dictates that such qualities should always be
recognized and applauded.

Ramon Lull, a Spanish knight who wrote about chivalry 750 years ago,
said that sloth and inactivity lead to "sorrow and anger." He also
observed that a lack of exercise brings "pain to the body and to the
soul." This proves yet again just how astute this 13th century knightly
author was: Today we understand that poor nutrition and lack of
physical conditioning can result in depression and mood swings as well
as heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure.

The Code of Chivalry provides serious ethical guidance for dealing with
life's most challenging situations, but it also makes the pursuit of
physical fitness more enjoyable and rewarding. In a time when so many
of us are wondering how to lose weight, exercise more and improve our
attitudes, perhaps the Code of Chivalry will get our hearts beating a
little faster.

(*For details, read "The weight of the world" at
http://deseretnews.com/dn/view/0,1249,595062934,00.html )

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WHAT'S NEW?
There are several brand new feature articles available to visitors at
the Chivalry Today website, including:
A Return to Chivalry? - An intriguing look at rejuvenating chivalry and
manners as a means of strengthening our sense of respect and dignity.
The Road to Abu Ghraib - The Code of Chivalry provides some insight on
why treating prisoners with charity and mercy is an elementary social
principle.
Come back to www.ChivalryToday.com and discover what's new with the
Code of Chivalry.

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Readers are permitted and encouraged to share this article with others
as a way of furthering the understanding of the Code of Chivalry in the
modern world. Scott Farrell's seminars on chivalry and the knightly
virtues are available to businesses, schools and civic organizations
throughout the Southern California area; more information can be found
on our website. Please include all copyright statements and
attributions when forwarding Chivalry Today articles. Copyright 2004
Scott Farrell and Shining Armor Enterprises. Visit our website at
www.ChivalryToday.com .