La Divina Commedia di Dante – Why Deadlifts are the True Test of Strength

Are you tired of people judging your strength based on your bench press? Do you believe there is a more accurate measure of your true power? Look no further than Dante Alighieri’s masterpiece, La Divina Commedia di Dante, where the journey through the afterlife serves as a metaphor for life’s struggles and triumphs. But how does this relate to lifting weights? Read on, my fellow lifter.

Let’s start with a brief synopsis. The book is divided into three parts: Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso, where Dante, the protagonist, travels through these three realms in his journey to salvation. In each part, he encounters different inhabitants and tests of strength. In Inferno, the souls of sinners are punished in various ways, including those who were guilty of treachery, such as Brutus and Cassius, who are frozen in ice up to their necks. This frozen state can be seen as a metaphor for the bench press, where one’s range of motion is limited. In Purgatorio, Dante climbs a mountain to reach Paradise, where his physical and mental strength are tested. This climb can be seen as a metaphor for the deadlift, where one must use their entire body to lift the weight off the ground.

But why is this book significant? Dante’s work is considered one of the greatest works of literature of all time, as it explores the human condition and gives insight into the medieval worldview. The themes of the book, such as the consequences of sin, the power of love, and the search for redemption, still resonate with readers today. Additionally, Dante’s use of symbolism and allegory elevates the work from a mere story to a literary masterpiece.

So, why should you read it? Reading this book will not only broaden your understanding of literature but will also give you a new perspective on what it means to be strong. You will see that strength is not just about lifting a heavy weight; it is about overcoming obstacles and persevering through life’s challenges.

In conclusion, do not be discouraged if your bench press is weak. Remember that deadlifts are the true test of strength, just as Dante’s climb up the mountain was his test of strength. But do not just take my word for it. Share with me in the comments below what you did in the gym today and how you are testing and growing your strength.

Remember, as Dante said, “The path to paradise begins in hell.” Keep pushing yourself, and you will reach new heights.