Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of Rocky IV!
Going in one more round when you don't think you can - that's what makes all the difference in your life.
This fourth installment of the iconic franchise had its theatrical release on November 27, 1985.
Rocky IV was written and directed by Sylvester Stallone. Development for the film began soon after the success of Rocky III (1982). Principal photography began in 1984, with filming locations including Philadelphia, Wyoming, and Vancouver. Rocky IV was actor Dolph Lundgren's American film debut, and Stallone's last directorial effort until 2006; they engaged in authentic punching in their fight scenes, which led to Stallone being admitted to intensive care. Filming also featured new special effects and bona fide, groundbreaking sport methods and equipment, some of which were years removed from public use. Rocky IV is known for its strong Cold War themes, as well as its successful theme songs "Burning Heart" and "Living in America".
Source: Wikipedia.org
Songs from the soundtracks to the Rocky series, including Bill Conti’s iconic theme song from Rocky and Rocky II “Gonna Fly Now”, Survivor’s chart-topper from Rocky III (my favorite) “Eye Of The Tiger”, as well as Survivor’s smash hit from Rocky IV “Burning Heart”, continue to have a place in my workout playlists. These songs still inspire me to do a few more reps or finish with a strong kick in the final quarter-mile!
The power of music…
New research from the University of Padova shows that music can enhance performance by improving focus, reducing fatigue, and increasing work capacity. “The study's authors propose that music works through the ‘bottleneck hypothesis’. The idea that our nervous system can only process a limited number of sensory inputs simultaneously. When athletes listen to engaging music, it helps block out unpleasant sensations like physical distress and fatigue, allowing them to push harder and longer.”
- Skutnik, Ben, Sports Illustrated. “Music Makes You Stronger: New Research Reveals the Power of Your Personal Playlist”. July 16, 2025
Image by Ben Brunner from Unsplash
This new research expounded upon previous studies which noted similar observations and findings. “For some athletes and for many people who run, jog, cycle, lift weights and otherwise exercise, music is not superfluous—it is essential to peak performance and a satisfying workout… Music distracts people from pain and fatigue, elevates mood, increases endurance, reduces perceived effort and may even promote metabolic efficiency… Selecting the most effective workout music is not as simple as queuing up a series of fast, high-energy songs. One should also consider the memories, emotions and associations that different songs evoke.”
- Jabr, Ferris, Scientific American. “Let's Get Physical: The Psychology of Effective Workout Music”. March 20, 2013
A real-life embodiment…
In 1985, as the Cold War continued, an 18 y/o athlete from Siberia began his storied career in a different sport. Employing many of the same techniques used by Rocky as he trained for his bout with Ivan Drago, this athlete would soon stand atop gold medal podiums, ultimately becoming the greatest Greco-Roman wrestler and feared athlete of all time. His name is Aleksandr Karelin.
Image by Hansjörg Keller from Unsplash
At 6’3” and 286 pounds, Karelin embodied the physical attributes of Rocky’s most feared nemesis. Aleksandr's daily training drills reportedly included hours of rowing and long runs through Taiga forest often with a large log on his back. He cultivated a mindset that allowed him to push past perceived limits. Karelin’s strength and wrestling style were universally feared.
Image by Trofim Ivliev from Unsplash
Karelin was famous for his reverse body lift, the Karelin Lift, where facing the opponent who was lying flat on the mat to keep from being thrown, Karelin hoisted his opponents into the air and slammed him violently to the mat. This devastatingly effective maneuver, when properly executed, awarded Karelin 5 points per throw, the maximum awarded in Greco-Roman wrestling. The throw had long been in use by lighter wrestlers but not by heavyweights – because of the immense strength required to raise, spin and hit the mat with a 560+ lbs combined weight of both athletes (280+ of which resist desperately to the performed maneuver).
Source: Wikipedia.org
Aleksandr initially wanted to be a boxer like his father when he began training in 1981 but ultimately chose wrestling. In 1985, Karelin participated in an international competition and won a junior world title. His wrestling record at the senior level was an amazing 887 wins and two losses, both considered controversial and both by a single point. He holds the record for most world-level gold medals at twelve, the most for either freestyle or Greco-Roman wrestling in men's competitions. Aleksandr Karelin is one of my all-time favorite athletes.