What Motivates YOU to Weight Train?

[WORKEROUTER]

I'm interested in the different views about this topic...what are the most important reasons that you dedicate time to weight training/bodybuilding?

For me, there are many reasons. But the biggest one is that it serves as a feeling of success and progress. It makes me set goals for myself and allows me to push myself towards reaching those goals. Thus, it keeps me focused. I must ask, what better feeling is there when you have finally blasted a plateau you've been working on for several weeks?

Weight training is one of the few forms of exercise that is really enjoyable. As Arnold says regarding bodybuilding: you have two choices: to lift it or not to lift it. Isnt this true in life as well? Indeed it is--weight lifting is REAL. Lifting also allows a person to develop an aesthetically pleasing body.

 

[Oscar Wilde]

Well, this is one of my secondary reasons, but thought it might be different from some of the more obvious ones (feel more energetic, PU chicks, etc)

One of the reasons I weight train because I'd look terrible if I didn't!

My physique is short (5'7) and broad shouldered. I'd say that if I didn't train, then I might be somewhere about 150 - 170 lbs, which would be damn stupid. So I'm happy at 205 cos I carry myself much better this way.

 

[mrsoy]

football is my motivation

i dream of one day being one of those huge guys up on the line playing in the nfl. i understand my chances are next to none but theres always AFL and EFL. that and people going "holy sh!t! that guy is huge!"

 

[DJjazzyJeff]

I lift b/c it puts me at peace. As soon as I walk in the gym, I feel like I'm in my element and there's nothing that can hold me back but myself. I would be depressed if I didn't go to the gym. Just picked up a couple new reasons. I'm going to try to play D1 football so now I have more reason not to miss.

 

[jtws]

I didn't like being puny .

 

[Industry]

Originally posted by jtws
I didn't like being puny .

Right here with you man. I was 5'11 and 137 lbs 6 months ago... I'm now 165 pounds and growing by the day. I had a girl tell me she liked me but I was too scronny for her to date. That got my in the gym the next damn day. All along I was told looks don't matter but it's all BS. I swear all girls have a color picture they've drawn up of the ideal man and they go out looking for it. They'll budge on some things but not most. I like seeing progress -- that's my motivation now.

 

[sonick182]

At first it was coz I didn't wanna be the stereotypical ectomorph asian kid...But now, its just coz it feels good after, i can't go a week without working out, or else i'll feel rundown and tired and sh*t...

 

[icepick]

There is nothing better than that high after a tough workout. It's better than many drugs that I have done in my life.

Plus, if you keep the diet up and don't overtrain, things start to "roll" off of you in life. The pensiveness and over-thinking starts to fade away a little bit more it seems.

I guess it just makes ya feel more like a guy, and that really helps with the chicks. Both in interacting with them, and ignoring thier petty sh*t that they pull.

 

[MetalFortress]

Agreed. Weightlifting is like a drug, although not a harmful drug, a drug that actually helps you AND makes you feel good. I love gaining muscle, losing fat, becoming strong and athletic, and transforming myself slowly but steadily through the ironwork.

 

[-HPNOTIQ-]

The best motivation is to train for a specific event.

Whether it be football season, going to Hawaii in one month, training for a 10k race, or preparing yourself for the Mr. Olympian - if you have a specific date set, then, your training will become more meaningful because you have a desired goal at a desired time. If you train to be lean, that's fine and dandy. But really is pushing you? What you see in the mirror everyday? If you want to lose weight, train for a specific event. You will push yourself hard to be prepared because being prepared for the event give you an obligation.

Personally, I try to enter a 10k every 3-4 months. I train harder and more focused when I have a goal like this.

 

[Reto]

I like seeing the results. The accomplishments.

I like the feeling afterward.

And it's a great stress reliever...

 

[WORKEROUTER]

these are all good reasons

 

[jakethasnake]

For some people, they may actually weight less than they look. This is in response to Oscar Wilde and his 5'7" and 205 pounds -- I think that is WAAY too much for a smaller man.

I think that 5'7" and 175 pounds in shredded muscle is the upper limit, as far as looking proportional and aesthetically pleasing goes. I'm just about 5'9", and I weigh a fairly lean 155. But I really look like I weigh about 165, even though I know I'm slightly underweight for my height, proably by about 10-15 pounds (by "underweight" I mean in relation to the point where a man starts to look 'solid'). My goal is to shed the 5-7 pounds of fat I have, and bulk up to 170 pounds in lean muscle. Looking solid and muscular and PROPORTIONAL is the key. By the time I weigh 170-175 in lean muscle, I figure people will think I weigh 185 and think twice before focking with me.

I guess it all depends on the individual and how their built (length of limbs, ratio of different body parts) though. But as I imagine it, you must look like a human wrecking ball with no neck or limbs, at 5'7" and 205 pounds. But hey, I do agree its better to be short and muscular than short and slim.

 

[BWSL2]

Poon. Sweet, sweet poon.

 

[MetalFortress]

Being strong and athletic
Getting closer to my goal of 240 with 8% bodyfat (height 6'1)
Feelin' good after a hard workout

 

[Trial Error]

there are no wrong reasons.

the results at the gym keep me motivated.

 

[CavemanLawyer]

For me it is to improve at baseball and hopefully get a scholarship. Also to improve looks and confidence.

 

[Lt dan]

my motivation is so i will do well at competitions. i wish i cold find some stuff about my sport. raiders. its an rotc thing.
another thing is its alot more practical to be in shape and that is one of the reasons i do it. its alot easier to live if youdont get tired walking to the mailbox and back

 

[Rahul]

It's all about the *****...

 

[WORKEROUTER]

Originally posted by Rahul
It's all about the *****...

an example of someone who will not succeed as a bodybuilder.