January 14, 2009

Europe | Italy | Rome

Fitness Maximus

By Nicole Cotroneo

You'll want to be sober for this toga party.
Originally published on June 14, 2007.

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Admit it. Ever since Russell Crowe flexed his mud-smeared muscles in Gladiator, you’ve lusted after — or have lusted for your man to sport — that gladiator physique. Well, fantasize no more. The Waldorf=Astoria’s Collection’s Rome Cavalieri– a swanky hilltop resort known for gentrified activities like art hoarding and afternoon tea — has launched a new “gladiator training program” for its most sadistic fitness-minded guests. Two-hour mortal combat classes are taught by members of the Gruppo Storico Romano, an historical reenactment group that runs a “gladiator training” academy in the Eternal City.

Warrior wannabes start with a spot of contextual history and then jump straight into battle technique using “authentic” gladiatorial weapons. Acquit yourself well with a wooden sword, and you can graduate to an iron gladius or even a trident. Just don’t bother packing sneakers or sweatpants. You’ll be training in traditional attire — a feat of bravery in itself as you’ll be wearing nothing more than Roman sandals and a mini-dress tunic. At the end of the rigorous workout, a four-handed massage awaits fledgling fighters at Cavalieri’s Grand Spa. It’s a nice reminder that the Empire gave special treatment to its finest gladiators — you know, the ones who didn’t die.

Click here for globorati’s full article, written for the Today Show website.