John Skillen Martial Arts & Fitness

Welcome, readers, to another insightful post from John Skillen’s Martial Arts Centre. Whether you’re a seasoned practitioner or just dipping your toes into fitness, I’m delighted you’re here.
I am frequently asked questions about fitness, and it has made me reflect on a fundamental truth: we all require purpose and reason in life—that’s what keeps us going. So, why train? Quite simply, we train to keep our minds and bodies in tune. I always feel invigorated after a workout, and that sense of wellbeing carries on into the rest of my day. Indeed, some of my best ideas emerge when I push myself beyond my normal resting heart rate.
It does not have to be an intense session every time you step into the gym; rather, it should be a smart workout—one that lifts your mind from the daily grind and becomes truly therapeutic for the soul. Training is about showing up with a goal in mind, whether you are preparing for a marathon, a hike, or one of the many challenging events on offer, or simply aiming to stay fit for that family holiday or special occasion. We all need to feel that we have accomplished something meaningful in our lives, and the greatest achievement of all is nurturing our minds and bodies.
Some of the finest workouts I have experienced are those when I least feel like training. In such moments, I turn to the time-honoured phrase made famous by Nike: ‘Just do it.’
Until next time, keep going strong.
Stay safe,
John Skillen