| RECENTLY THE QUESTION WAS ASKED ON THE ALT.SPORT.WEIGHTLIFTING NEWSGROUP. I was just curious as to what motivates you guys to workout and succeed? <SNIP STORY> ***What keeps your watch ticking, even thru the hard times?**** BELOW ARE A FEW OF THE BEST AND MOST INSPIRING ANSWERS (and mine) TO THAT QUESTION WE ALL HAVE FROM TIME TO TIME HOME What motivates me is myself and nobody else. Wanting to be strong, look ok, and be healthy. And being able to wear sexy clothes in public is a plus too :-) BUT, since you brought it up, thats too bad about your wife- good looks are nice, but a nice, interesting, and attentive husband is more likely to keep their wives than a magazine cover. I'd take a drew carey look alike who puts me on a pedastal over any magazine model who only thinks of himself (not saying thats you at all) any day. Ok, well actually, I wouldn't take either 'cause I'm married, but you get the point. Good luck and keep your chin up. You'll meet someone again. -- gabrielle As far as motivation to train, I like being in better shape than most high school age people when I am 45. I also like having a body my wife finds attractive. I compete in powerlifting competitions rather frequently, so I am always focusing on getting in shape for something. I am really sorry to read your wife left you. It is good you have not had a date in 6 months. As sometimes people tend to go overboard on the rebound. You could commit yourself to the wrong person this way. Take some time on your own. Focus on your training. So that when you do begin to date again, you will be sure of what you want, and you will choose the right person this time around. --Gymrat As a person who has recently suffered two losses, I can say I look forward to going to the gym more than ever: For me when things are not going well in my life the gym is the only place to be. Here are my motivations: #1 When I walk into the gym I leave everything else outside it just me and the iron. It totally clears my head #2 When life is out of control and there are things you have no power over. One thing you can control is your lifting (you lift you get bigger there are no outside factors) Sometimes my lifting is the only thing I can control #3 The Endorphins! Usually its the Getting to the gym that is the hardest part especially on cardio days (and I love to run). Usually I 'll lie to myself and say I'll kinda take it easy then when I get there I decide I dont want to look like a pud going through the motions and I'll end up hitting it harder >>only to have your wife leave ya for another guy I am very sorry to hear that, I just went through that recently with my father. But keep it in perspective looks usually isnt what keeps or drives away. The two issues are totally seperate being heathly is very important. When thigs are at thier lowest just keep in mind #1 you're not dying, and your not going to jail (I hope). If you start feeling like things will never get better and everything is bad se you doc and get some AD's they will help you step back, regroup and gain perspective. Unfortunatly this is something I know way too well. Its easy to be a strong person if nothing has ever happend to you. -Michael Perkins For me it is the fact that I am getting stronger and the feeling of health I get when I workout every day in the gym. Being around others who love lifting at the gym also inspires me, when I feel down and out. Jack The main thing for me is the big picture, to use a cliche. I've come to realise that this training stuff is a lifetime thing for me now. If I have a bad month, or injure myself, so what? I'll get better, I've got years and years (all being well) to train and bury the memory of that bad month or injury. Set yourself achievable goals in the short term, and pick a few long-term goals too. Don't be afraid to change either the short term or long term goals if you have to. ~Stephen Mulholland What motivates me when I lift is the idea that everything could be as simple as lifting up heavy weights and putting them back down again. It requires effort, but it's such a simple thing compared to some of life's problems. When I lift, all my other problems are cleared from my head and I'm left with the simple task of lifting up heavy weights and putting them back down again. ~squeebo I see old people who have had shitty nutrition and never worked out. They are old, decrepit, and their bones and organs are failing them. I work out to keep healthy; Looking good is only a perk. Those people on the covers of magazines are insane. They put their bodies through far too much just to 'look good'. All is Fair in love and the war that follows. ---------- JeRC What motivates me is this: The physical posssibilities you can accomplish with your body is seemingly endless. You can never be too strong. There is always something to tweak, whether it be proportion and symmetry like BBers or the fine tuning of routines to maximize strength like PLers. With weight trining, there is always some new thing to explore. I will never tire of it, EVER. On a more vain side, I take pleasure in knowing that I am stronger than at least 80% of the men in my weight range, and probably healthier too. Now, why are we always going to the gym, always watching the protien intake, always fiddling with our routines, why arent we getting piss drunk every night with our friends? Simple. We are in pursuit of physical excellence. And when you think you are achieving excellence, you have gained a mental edge that will make you succeed at whatever you do. I am sorry about your mishap. I know others who have had the same thing (almost the same thing) happen to them. This cannot be easy to deal with. but you must not abandon your training. Continue to pursue excellence, and you will find someone who will appreciate your hard work and sacrifice. ~Legion. |