What does it mean when you say you do something "for yourself"?...

[casavant]

I hear this a lot, and I understand what you guys are trying to express to an extent, but it seems as though a lot of you aren't really thinking about what you're saying.

Since this is a fitness board, I'll use working out as an example. When the subject of self-image comes up, one of the first interjections someone will almost invariably chime in with is that they aren't out to please anybody else and that they are in this game "for themselves". This has a nice independent and appealingly rebellious ring to it, but what exactly do they mean? None of us live our lives in a vacuum. We are influenced by what others think about us from birth and there is no escaping that fact. Now, I lift for myself also, but in the sense that when I go out, am in bed with a woman, or any other myriad situations where my body is on display, I like the respect and admiration that my body garners and that makes me feel good. Whether the vast majority want to admit it or not, this is a large reason why they spend countless hours in the gym as well. There's no shame in this. Just be honest with yourself.

If I'm wrong, please enlighten me.

 

[WODIN]

I lift so that I wont end up on the 6:00 news as the guy who went on a rampage and whiped out a couple hundred of his coworkers. At least that is what I tell the people I work with...I then strip and run around screaming for jello pudding.

Usually someone brings me some.

 

[Pineapple Devil]

i think the whole "for myself" thing is true. you do it for yourself and all the other things that come with it are just perks. I work out b/c it makes me feel good about myself its my life. The girls rubbing and admiring it is just something that comes on the side. Its not the reason why I work out and if they werent around it wouldnt be the reason I stopped.

 

[The Shadow]

"for myself" is very true....working out has aspects whcih Cas is correct about - however it extends to other things as well...for example I like to read b-4 bed - for myself - totally independent action

 

[VooDoo Lady]

I have to disagree. I do it for myself, honestly. I've been married for 11 years and my husband has liked my body regardless of my size, so I don't do it for him. My body is quickly approaching a level of muscularity that doesn't fit into society's idea of "beautiful," so I'm definitely not doing it to be considered attractive by others.

I do it to feel good about myself. So, I really am doing it for me.

 

[casavant]

"for myself" is very true....working out has aspects whcih Cas is correct about - however it extends to other things as well...for example I like to read b-4 bed - for myself - totally independent action

Very true.

I have never worked out just to get laid, either. If I did, I would have to say that I am getting a very poor rate of return on my investment.

But even those guys that turn up their noses at the thought of lifting to please the opposite sex (or same sex, in some cases) are not being totally honest with themselves. If you lift because it makes you feel like a dominant male, guess what that is stemming from? LOL

Wodin- I hear you 110% on that one, man.

 

[WODIN]

U strip in the library and run around naked?

 

[casavant]

U strip in the library and run around naked?

Yes, but only in the reference section.

 

[Whiskey]

I think that there is a "for myself" reason. For myself to me means to do something that makes me feel good, or enjoy.

I consider it a game that has no last level. A game I will never win. Yes I do lift to look good, but for me it all started by lifting to lead a healthier life. Should that life include "some" mass and look good to myself, including others, so be it.
I would still lift if I was the only person who ever saw my body.


Whiskey

 

[Whiskey]

One more thing, hey Cas. out of curiosity, did you think anyone that does lift, only to impress others, would post admitting to it? Just curious... it just hit me that no has admitted to it yet.

I can see only two excuses to lift for someone other than yourself

1. if you are drastically over weight, or even under weight for that matter.

2. If you are a model of some type. I could understand that completly.

A friend of mine only lifts because he is trying to become a model, worked so far.


Whiskey