Have We Become a Bit Soft?
Life today is easy, too easy one might say.
Everything is available at the click of a button, from food to transport to entertainment. But in making life more convenient, have we lost the edge that makes us strong, resilient, and capable?
The Vikings didn't have Uber Eats, central heating, or Netflix.
They lived tough, fought hard, and thrived in brutal environments. Their lives were about survival, strength, and community. While we don’t need to go raiding villages, we can take inspiration from their way of life and apply it to our modern world, especially when it comes to training and personal accountability.
At Holme Run Fitness, we believe in bringing back that Viking mentality. It’s about resilience, discipline, and a commitment to bettering ourselves. Whether you train at a gym in Tunbridge Wells or work with a personal trainer in Tunbridge Wells, these five principles will help you embrace the modern Viking way of life.
The 5 Holy Grail Tenets of a Modern-Day Viking
1. Eat Like a Warrior
Vikings didn’t count calories, but they knew the value of eating real, nourishing food. Their diet was based on whole, unprocessed foods from the land; meat, fish, dairy, nuts, and seasonal vegetables.
For us, that means prioritising animal-based protein, avoiding ultra-processed junk, and keeping meals simple. Strength starts from within, and what you fuel your body with dictates how well you perform, recover, and thrive.
2. Build an Unbreakable Brotherhood and Sisterhood
Vikings didn’t fight alone; they moved in packs, ate in packs, and trained in packs. They relied on each other to survive and thrive.
Training in a community fosters accountability, motivation, and support.
Whether you're pushing through a brutal session at HRF or training with a personal trainer in Tunbridge Wells, having a solid group around you makes all the difference. Surround yourself with people who push you to be better, just like the Viking clans did.
3. Train Like a Warrior
Vikings weren’t gym bros. Oh no, they were functional, powerful, and athletic. Their strength came from real-world movements: rowing across vast seas, lifting heavy weapons and supplies, and sprinting into battle.
A modern Viking’s training should reflect that:
Rowing for explosive power and endurance
Heavy lifting to build real-world strength
Strongman-style movements (carries, sled drags, odd object lifts) to be prepared for anything
Train to be strong, mobile, and powerful in every situation.
4. Get Comfortable Being Uncomfortable
Vikings didn’t have heated homes, memory foam mattresses, or warm showers. They endured cold, hunger, and hardship. Modern life is all about comfort, but growth comes from discomfort. There is no heating at HRF and for good reason… You are the heating!!
Want to build mental toughness? Try:
Cold exposure (ice baths, cold showers, winter training)
Visualise Your Success - reinforce positive beliefs and boost confidence.
Outdoor training
It’s not about punishing yourself; it’s about becoming adaptable and resilient.
5. Live With Purpose
Vikings didn’t drift through life, they had a clear mission, whether it was finding new lands, protecting their families, or earning glory in battle. Without purpose, training and discipline lose their meaning.
Find your ‘why.’ Why do you train? Why do you push yourself? Is it for strength? Longevity? To lead by example for your family? Align your training with your purpose, and every session will carry more weight (literally and figuratively).
The Viking Mentality at HRF
At Holme Run Fitness, we live by these tenets. We train hard, we eat well, we support each other, and we embrace the grind. If you’re looking for a gym in Tunbridge Wells or need personal training in Tunbridge Wells, and you’re ready to unleash your inner Viking, you’re in the right place.
Modern life is easy - but strength is earned.