Bodybuilding and interpersonal perception

[The Red Dragon]

Have any of you ever been fat or a twig, then started to shape up and suddenly realize you're getting so much attention that you haven't before when your body was...subpar? It's starting to happen to me, even though I don't look good according to my standards or the standards of this board.

I never thought appearance would have that much social significance for a male. lol, it kinda invalidates the moralistic shit they always teach you about its whats on the inside that counts...no one gives a shit about the inside without approving of the exterior.

Have any of you guys been through this? What was your experience like?
I'm hoping that this should be a good thread to motivate those who do not work out.

 

[theoak01]

ya I am short and use to be tiny as fuck,now im bigger and though by this boards standards higher in bf 14-15% I look better then the average person and people notice,I love it

and just because we were taught looks dont matter doesnt mean its the final word,unfortunately they do matter a lot

 

[Lestat]

I was a skinny dude for most of my life, i still am not used to getting comments on my physque or being called a big guy... it never gets old though!

 

[wnt2bBeast]

i was lean as an athlete then had a bad injury and packed on lots of weight then took it off now impacking it on again..

honestly i didnt notice much of a difference in the amount of trim i got..maybe im just plain ugly

 

[HiDnGoD]

I've been fat all my life. Still am, but with the gains I've been making people are commenting on my muscles. People at work are asking for advice on working out.
The way I look, it blows my mind.

 

[Lestat]

I've been fat all my life. Still am, but with the gains I've been making people are commenting on my muscles. People at work are asking for advice on working out.
The way I look, it blows my mind.

awesome job man.

I remember when I first started, I'd be sitting on the toilet taking a dump, I'd look over and not recognize myself in the mirror for a split second.

 

[Redshoteye]

Whether you believe in "its what you are on the inside that counts and that outside looks don't matter," it is scientific fact that humans are positively stimulated by a muscular or good looking physique.... that said, I started shaping my body sophomore year in high school... went from 215lbs and about 26%bf to now 181lbs 12%.

Its amazing how females flirt with you more often... From what I've encountered, having a better looking body gives you the chance to capture their attention, from there they begin to notice all the "inner beauty bullshit"

 

[DieselGunz]

Having a nice body opens ALOT of doors

I was 6 feet and 165 pounds with glasses and NO confidence. One day I decided to change that, wow what a difference.

People do not even recognize me from 3 years ago.

 

[Island Son]

i went from twig to average-ish (but occasionally people ask me how long I've been working at the bar), it's hilarious.
everyone likes good aesthetics. And, when you have more self-confidence, things happen.

 

[strangebrew]

Appearence is meaningless unless you give it meaning.

That said - I've gone from a skinny 140 to a lean 220 in 4 years. I guess you could say I get more attention, but it's unwanted attention. I work out for myself, and myself only.

 

[Sub-Zero]

Have any of you ever been fat or a twig, then started to shape up and suddenly realize you're getting so much attention that you haven't before when your body was...subpar? It's starting to happen to me, even though I don't look good according to my standards or the standards of this board.

I never thought appearance would have that much social significance for a male. lol, it kinda invalidates the moralistic shit they always teach you about its whats on the inside that counts...no one gives a shit about the inside without approving of the exterior.

Have any of you guys been through this? What was your experience like?
I'm hoping that this should be a good thread to motivate those who do not work out.

im huge and nobody likes me still

 

[The Red Dragon]

im huge and nobody likes me still

What if you cut down? Most people brush off big people or people on bulk as fat (they don't understand BF%/LBM), just like your aunt/grandma?

Yeah, I guess you'd walk around with more confidence and better posture as you get more fit. I just noticed people looking me more after I cut down...people who used to call me fat when I was bulking are like 'wtf - you changed', heads start to turn. I've never actually experienced this before. I still work out for myself though, that's probably the best source of motivation. I like the aspect of bodybuilding where you get beter and better.

The case still remains: what is the advantage of not looking good, why would you not do it...unless time & money don't allow for it - I'm sure most of the people in North America are within means of doing it...66% of people are overweight that's kinda ridiculous, even taking into account variations of socioeconomic variables & education.

 

[Sub-Zero]

What if you cut down? Most people brush off big people or people on bulk as fat (they don't understand BF%/LBM), just like your aunt/grandma?

Yeah, I guess you'd walk around with more confidence and better posture as you get more fit. I just noticed people looking me more after I cut down...people who used to call me fat when I was bulking are like 'wtf - you changed', heads start to turn. I've never actually experienced this before. I still work out for myself though, that's probably the best source of motivation. I like the aspect of bodybuilding where you get beter and better.

The case still remains: what is the advantage of not looking good, why would you not do it...unless time & money don't allow for it - I'm sure most of the people in North America are within means of doing it...66% of people are overweight that's kinda ridiculous, even taking into account variations of socioeconomic variables & education.

maybe fuck cuttingi dont really consider a 4 pack all that fat anyway

 

[Extra_Strong]

yep... it is an awsome feeling.. addictiong makes you wonder why others are not into it. Just makes you feel good. gald to hear the work is paying off bro.

 

[Ulcasterdropout]

Didn't make any difference for me.

 

[HiDnGoD]

The case still remains: what is the advantage of not looking good, why would you not do it...unless time & money don't allow for it - I'm sure most of the people in North America are within means of doing it...66% of people are overweight that's kinda ridiculous, even taking into account variations of socioeconomic variables & education.

I think it's effort required, time required, & other's comments.
Face it, it does take a lot of work, & if people aren't sure it'll work for them, they're not gonna want to do it.
It also takes a lot of time. There's the 6-8 hrs a week working out, plus there's the extra time involved in preparing healthy meals. If you're the only one in the house eating right, you actually have 2 different menu's to prepare for every meal. Plus the extra cost involved with buying healthier foods, supplements, etc.
Then there's the comments from peoplelike,"I don't know how you can take the time for that. I sure wouldn't have time." or "Don't you love/like me any more? We hardly ever see each other."

For some people the effort needs to be much greater. I'm diabetic, so it is very difficult to lose weight. Especially if you're on medication. The meds make you fat.

 

[anthrax]

Looking good definitely helps

Being more confident because you know that you look better than before is even more important

 

[BrothaBill]

Have any of you ever been fat or a twig, then started to shape up and suddenly realize you're getting so much attention that you haven't before when your body was...subpar? It's starting to happen to me, even though I don't look good according to my standards or the standards of this board.

I never thought appearance would have that much social significance for a male. lol, it kinda invalidates the moralistic shit they always teach you about its whats on the inside that counts...no one gives a shit about the inside without approving of the exterior.

Have any of you guys been through this? What was your experience like?
I'm hoping that this should be a good thread to motivate those who do not work out.

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[Hengst]

started lifting when I was had 170lbs on a 6'-4" frame, it took me 4 years to gain 40 lbs. Am now about 220-225. And, yes, the attention I get now is WAY different that before. Actually even when I was skinny I managed to do well, considering I'm very handsome and intelligent. It's just that today I have a better body image.

 

[GoldenDelicious]

i was a fatty when i was young...the guys used to hassle me a bit, and the women wanted to be my friend...i weigh as much now as i did then (185ish) but instead of being an adolescent flab-ball im about...15ish% (usually lower, but lets say 15 to be safe) at 5'9 and quite dense...and things are a tad different ...these days being called 'bigfella' (they must have been watching when i was in the toilet...perving mofos ) by guys, being avoided or carefully avoided by violent men, and being touched/propositioned by women are fairly normal events

people are stupid, so play the game

 

[BUBBLES]

I have never been fat. I have always been just right in size and for a little while I was too thin (so my mum says) but my parents have been involved in sports when they were younger (judo and gumnastics) and that rubbed off on me. Now I just go to the gym to maintain what I have.

I am very comfortable having some muscle on or just being thin. Either way its not going to make a huge difference how I perceive myself and how I communicate with others.