Why Do You Bodybuild?

[JollyRogers]

Well I like it cause it makes me bigger and looking good, and I play sports way better when fit.

 

[TheOak84]

i like the results... plus, its basically the only thing im good at..

i do play guitar though

 

[casualbb]

I think I'm addicted to the ability to change my body so drastically. It's the same reason people choose to become anorexic, but with a drastically different and healthier outcome.

Having muscled up significantly, I feel like I need to go apply the muscle somewhere, so I'm going to take up rock climbing and boxing.

-casualbb

 

[JollyRogers]

I thought about boxing but, I think I will stick to rugby for sping, maby another 25 p of lean, then I might consider it.

 

[Lee]

i do it all for myself. i was chubby my whole life, got into lifting, now i still got a little bit of chub but i feel so much better about myself.

 

[louden_swain]

I started years ago. . .

because I wanted to enhance my performance in sports. The rapid results have done a number of things for me.

- increased strength and aggression
- increased flexibility
- increased metabolism
- increased appetite
- development of self confidence
- maintenance of circulatory system
- shaping of physique
- has helped enhance mental abilities
- given me the ability to stay humble about progress

I HAVE NEVER EVER started lifting because of women!!! To me, that is a poor excuse to start training and it is the wrong reason. People should train to improve themselves. Train for yourself and for no one else!!! People who aren't humble about their training or are constantly bragging or showing off are my enemies.

Anyhow, its a great hobby because it is a challenge and a constant struggle. I like that!

 

[Cuthbert]

I started training to improve my health and self-confidence, being a chubby high schooler can cause some self doubts.

As I got leaner and more muscular, I started to train for health reasons, noticing how people continue to grow less and less healthy.

Today, I train because I want to be healthy, and functionally and emotionally strong. Training has been the one constant in my life over the past 3-4 years, and I can't see myself stopping for anything....

...if I were training for women, this most certainly wouldnt be the case. I train for me.

Cuthbert

 

[Fatty4You]

I just love it! It makes me feel good and give me energy. The gym is such a supportive atmosphere, how could you NOT feel good at hte gym??

Plus, i want to get huge!! Not to impress anyone, just to enjoy being huge

-Fatty

 

[johnny1111]

1. To impress the chicks
2. Overall health /feeling good -john

 

[gmanlax7]

i like louden's post alot

lifting allows me to perform better athleticaly, made me for agressive and also allows me to eat a shitload !

by now though it is out of habit and need, i am addicted to going to the gym. One of the worst things someone could do to me is take away my right to lift !!

 

[HANSEL]

Control
Vanity
Esteem

 

[mtlhabsfan]

well i do it for most of these reasons:

Impress chicks, Scare stupid thugs, To be fit and strong and to be healthy.

Each point is has important as the others for me, i'm not bullshiting

 

[louden_swain]

I can't believe that nearly half the people who voted say they workout for chicks!! To me that is a. . . . . . . .

 

[JOKER47]

I HAVE NEVER EVER started lifting because of women!!! To me, that is a poor excuse to start training and it is the wrong reason.

I agree with you 100% on that statement. Although, I don't "bodybuild" I train for strength mainly. (PL'ing and Strongman type of strength.)

I started originally to get back in shape after finishing my degree, and found that I was more concerned with moving lots of weight rather than looking good. Once I realized that about myself, my training style changed, I enjoyed it more, and I feel a lot better about myself.


.02,
Joker

 

[vinylgroover]

I started years ago. . .

because I wanted to enhance my performance in sports. The rapid results have done a number of things for me.

- increased strength and aggression
- increased flexibility
- increased metabolism
- increased appetite
- development of self confidence
- maintenance of circulatory system
- shaping of physique
- has helped enhance mental abilities
- given me the ability to stay humble about progress

I HAVE NEVER EVER started lifting because of women!!! To me, that is a poor excuse to start training and it is the wrong reason. People should train to improve themselves. Train for yourself and for no one else!!! People who aren't humble about their training or are constantly bragging or showing off are my enemies.

Anyhow, its a great hobby because it is a challenge and a constant struggle. I like that!

Even if someone trains 'to pick up chicks' as you put it, that is essentially the same as someone saying that they bodybuild to improve their self esteem or confidence........it's just a different way of putting it Louden.

Therefore, it's as honourable a reason as any other.

btw, i simply enjoy the feeling of training......nothing more nothing less. Always been physical and it's just another sport i enjoy among others.

 

[Lee]

i keep women out of my mind when i train, its a huge distraction. little hot chics come into the gym in skin tight spandex, and i just block em out, or else ill perform poorly. I lift for myself and only myself.

 

[Thaibox]

I had 3 main things in my life that drove me. My military career, my fighting career, and lifting. I lost the first two, so the dedication, aggression, and energy I put into all 3 fell into lifting alone.

I started to lift to be a better fighter, now I lift to be a better lifter. I have declared war on gravity and refuse to lose. The only reason I'm in the gym is because that's where the enemy is.

 

[gmanlax7]

'i have declared war on gravity' thats awesome thaibox

 

[theoak01]

lifting for me started in grade 9,my parents thought it would be a good idea to send me to a catholic school alone where I knew nobody to get me away from my druggy friends,well I didnt make friends got depressed bad got a nice gut and one day decided I would do something constructive with my time and not ruin my body ,I picked up and weight and havent gone back,I love what it does for my confidence and how I look. I am now 18 just graduated high school the end of january and keep lifting.

I wanted to play rugby but didnt find organized sports interesting,I guess I am still kind of a loner with my whole 10 friends

 

[Exodus]

i saw a movie called Predator..... it stared some monstorus of a man with an unpronouncable last name.

then i started watching all of his movies thinking i would like to be that big...... but i hit purberty got fat an lazy.

started wrestling in highschool and i met my best friend and traing partner to this day....... that was 6 years ago........ he fueled my fire and vice versa.......

now as i sit here typing, im dieting for my 3rd show..........

GOSH I LOVE THIS!!!!!!!

few are called, even fewer are choosen..........i am called to be one of the choosen.

X

 

[michaelcoutts]

for the chicks....nuff said

 

[louden_swain]

for the chicks....nuff said

unbelievable.

 

[erickthegreat11]

"For a woman!"-George Costanza
For myself
To get stronger
To get in better and better shape physically

 

[JOKER47]

unbelievable.

Let it go, bud.....

As much as I hate to say this, it generally seems to be the "older" *wince* guys that do it for themselves, and the younger guys that do it for "chicks".

I am not going to go into the right reason or wrong reason arguement any further in this post, this is a general observation I made over the last 8 mmillion times this question has been asked on this site.

(Disclaimer: This post is not intended to start a flame war. It is just my observation!


Regards,
Joker

 

[casualbb]

Louden -- when you go out, do you put on a decent set of clothes? Do you take a shower? Spray on some cologne perhaps?

Those things are no different from wanting to appear muscular and streamlined. It's just another aspect of a man's initial impression on a woman. Is it wrong to say that's something we can't benefit from improving?

If you're gonna take that attitude you might as well fall into hygenic disrepair because it's "unbelievable" to make ourselves more appealing to women.

-casualbb

 

[michaelcoutts]

unbelievable

unbeleivable? Im sorry if my opinion isnt good enough for you but im sure that there are many others who have similar intentions.

I mean sure, it would be silly just to do it to pick up chicks but it is still a very important factor as to why we bodybuild. Boys will be boys and if picking up hotter chicks by bodybuilding seems "unbeleivable" to you then so be it.

As much as I hate to say this, it generally seems to be the "older" *wince* guys that do it for themselves, and the younger guys that do it for "chicks".

I thought that statement is pretty obvious. The older guys will have normally settled down with a woman anyways but us younger guys are out there in the game. Nothing wrong with getting that little edge is there? It's not that we are immature to do it for chicks, it is just that we are governed by our dicks

 

[JOKER47]

I thought that statement is pretty obvious. The older guys will have normally settled down with a woman anyways but us younger guys are out there in the game. Nothing wrong with getting that little edge is there? It's not that we are immature to do it for chicks, it is just that we are governed by our dicks

Plenty of "older" guys are still "in the game". But they still tend to lift for a different reason, IMO.

Personally, I fall into the "older" realm. Yes, I am also happily married to a beautiful woman. But ya know, I still feel great when a girl checks me out for whatever reason.

Still, I started lifting for reasons other than getting girls.

And as for the last comment, what guy isn't governed by their lower member? I don;t care how old you get, that head still does the majority of the thinking for guys.....


FYI,
Joker

 

[Lord_Suston]

I lift for me...
being average sucks, lifting average weights suck, fighting at an average level sucks, just being average at anything sucks.....

I want power, strength, stamina and speed.... my goal is set and I won't back down ever

 

[erickthegreat11]

another thought:
Im lifting to be someone I aspire to be, the better me

 

[Legion Kreinak2]

I lift for alot of reasons I guess.

It helps to relieve stress, it occupies my time, its fun, I have more confidence, I feel and appear more attractive, I'm able to compete better physically in anything I do, and uhm... yes, it helps to get girls. They're all good reasons. We all have different motivations. Some may not be as "noble" as others, but it's all good!

 

[kakarot417]

i work out for several reasons.
1. Bruce Lee's body has always impressed me. Since I was way young I loved to watch kung fu movies and it impressed me that a guy weighing 135 could lift, jump, and kick ass like he did.
2. I've always been skinny and picked on. This lead to me getting into alot of fights.
3.Girls like muscles.
4. I don't want to be weak and crippled when I get old.

I realize that since Im in college i should at least try to improve my body as much as my mind...unlike the binge drinkers who get the freshman 15.

 

[needsleep]

I’m only a lurker here and only been so for a few weeks, but this topic is really quite insightful and is fun to read what motivates others. Well here’s me.

I used to be really active when I was 17-20, I did Kickboxing, circuit training and some limited weight training, I also played Squash and Swam. I enjoyed it immensely, a year later I had moved across the country and stopped doing all those things as I wasn’t around my friends anymore and the “habit” had been broken. For a couple of years I turned into a slouch and started playing computer games and watching tv more. I was still slim and didn’t put on weight but I lost lean body mass and put on fat.

I always spoke about how I “used” to be fit and looked good and that got me annoyed at myself as I was always saying how I “USED” to be. Not knowing anyone who lifted or went to the gym I had no motivation from others but I knew a couple guys online (through a computer game) who lifted and chatting with them helped motivate me.

One day I started training, I didn’t care what anyone thought of the pale skinny guy trying to lift weights I just kept going and lifting. When people I knew started commenting on how I was getting a lot bigger I smiled inward knowing that I was succeeding. It was good to get some nice comments and used them as a little motivation knowing that I was making a difference to myself.

I now lift purely for myself, It’s kind of my hobby, it’s something I look forward to and something I can do where nothing else in the world matters to me. When I am lifting I don’t give a second thought about how my car was crashed into the other day or how I am unhappy in my current job I don’t think about all the shitty things that happen to me, all that matters is beating what I did last time on the weight I am lifting, it’s pure escapism.

I built myself up to a mediocre 200lbs from a slim yet out of shape 165lbs, I feel good about myself for it and only want to improve. It’s my project, my way of achieving something that no one else knows about, something that I can win at and feel good about.

Sorry for the essay, you really wouldn’t want to see a long version.

 

[gmanlax7]

for the pump

 

[frenzyFYTA]

well i am relatively new to lifting, but i am ready to start getting serious about it now that my basketball season is coming to an end. I am doing it for one reason, to be a better athlete. Jumping higher, shooting from farther, hitting harder, all great things to train for. With a little inseason training it has become interesting to see a big guy (190 pounds 6'2) jump higher then the lighter guys (6ish 150ish). Just to beat others and get to the point that i can throw down a dunk in basketball seems like a goal worth pursuing.

Lifting is healthy
Lifting makes you a better athlete
Lifting make you jump higher and that lets you put down the big dunks, which in turn make you look cool

 

[collegiateLifter]

pretty much any reason to lift is a good one imo. The only thing i think louden may be reffering to is that guys who lift soley for women, often get settled down, marry and then turn into sedentary fat slobs.

 

[needsleep]

I think most people have a lot of fun whilst lifting, I enjoy psyching myself up for my sets and envisioning me lifting the weights with ease and then the painfull (yet strangely satisfying) reality of lifting them and pushing yourself to your limit.

I took it that "enjoyment or fun" wasn't in the poll as it's pretty obvious that the vast majority do enjoy it.

 

[Madcow2]

Everyone comes to lifting for a different reason.

Obviously for some it's women, and wanting to be desired by the opposite sex is about as close to a primary instinct as I can think of - I don't know anyone that it means absolutely nothing to. Others come to make themselves better at another activity. Some wish to imrpove their general health. Sadly a few come because they feel inadequate, have been picked on, or have a compelling desire to alter themselves and be different. For many it's a blend of all of them.

It's not so much why you started lifting but what keeps you lifting. Find a long term lifter that's been at it for a good portion of his/her life, 10 years is long enough to have worked through whatever phase they were in that first got them in the gym. Many will be married with kids, others will be out of the picked on high school phase and will have put on enough muscle to not be a target - plus few 30 year olds spend their time hassling people. Others will have finished their competitive careers.

Ask them why they are still there. You can see it in their eyes that they love it. Whether it's moving heavy weight, the feeling of satisfaction after a good set, or just the general glow and positiveness that it brings to their lives outside the gym - they all love it, it's a part of them, and it brings happiness into their lives.

I recently had to take what was around a year and a half off due to multiple injuries, family, and career issues. I missed it the whole time. Sometimes I'd look in the window and see some kid struggling with 135 with his 4 friends around and I wished that I could do that just once without pain. To feel the weight move, to enjoy a meal afterward with your head charged with endorphins, to go to sleep at night knowing you improved yourself, to know that no matter how bad a day you are having the barbell will be waiting for you. You don't appreciate what you have until you find yourself unable.

I'm getting back into it now as a few things have settled and I've rehabed myself well enough to handle it (and I've been injured more than enough before this too). A few things I've learned. Spend your time well in the gym. Look around between sets and enjoy it. Enjoy how the bar feels on your back even if you used to consider it uncomfortable. Don't think so much about how good things will be after you've achieved whatever goal that got you in there. Think about how good things are right now on the way. There is no dress rehersal in life. The day will come for all of us when we slowly find ourselves unable to do the things we love. Get every ounce out of it now. We focus too much on the future destinations of life's paths rather than the far far greater number of days we spend walking and enjoying the paths we take. Today will never come again.

 

[RADAR]

I have been lifting for over 32 years, i finally got tired of busting my butt in the gym and looking only decent i knew i had a ton of muscle lying in wait after all those years of training. I started taking gear in my forties, i'm 53 now and in better shape than alot of 20 yr olds.

My phylosophy is why be normal when you can be "Superman"

RADAR

 

[psilo]

I think I started to lift for the girls...but now I'm pretty much at my ideal body (6' 190 at about 8%). Now I lift more for the personal challenge and satisfaction of getting stronger.

 

[Steve The Bluesman]

Mine is a combination of a few of the reasons - but I started lifting in my early teens simply becuase I enjoyed doing it. I became a fighter later on and the iron kept me strong - broads liked it, sure, but that was never a primary reason.

I am now in my 30's and a amatuer basball player - now the iron keeps me injury-free and at the top of my game regardless of my age. I also like being fit, and strong, and have opposing teams worried about my game before I even step between the lines.

Stuff like this at a game last summer:

My wife worked with a couple of players on an opposing team and went over to say hello - she said she was here to watch me play. One guy ask which player I was, and said, "oh shit." The other said, "Which one is he?" and the 1st guy said, "The one that looks like he should be playing in the majors."

I don't lift to impress strangers, but it is a benefit. I love that shit.

Later,


Bluesman

 

[theoak01]

damn my goals really changed in 2 years, now I lift to stay in overall good physical shape for my future career in law enforcement when I get done college in april

 

[halfaclue]

I thought about boxing but, I think I will stick to rugby for sping, maby another 25 p of lean, then I might consider it.

I wanted to join a rugby club here but it is very time consuming. they practive 3 days a week and compete in tourney's that last all weekend.

 

[Crying Brian]

Well in this poll the majority voted for doing it for chicks.

 

[bkc]

A lot of reasons... Main reason would be just to feel better about myself. Be my best...

 

[cwc73]

Because I look good. I mean really good. I am one sexy mamajama. HEY EVERYONE, COME LOOK HOW GOOD I LOOK. It's freaking unbelievable of how good I look.

jk----Anchorman

 

[NormanNormal]

Everyone comes to lifting for a different reason.

Obviously for some it's women, and wanting to be desired by the opposite sex is about as close to a primary instinct as I can think of - I don't know anyone that it means absolutely nothing to. Others come to make themselves better at another activity. Some wish to imrpove their general health. Sadly a few come because they feel inadequate, have been picked on, or have a compelling desire to alter themselves and be different. For many it's a blend of all of them.

It's not so much why you started lifting but what keeps you lifting. Find a long term lifter that's been at it for a good portion of his/her life, 10 years is long enough to have worked through whatever phase they were in that first got them in the gym. Many will be married with kids, others will be out of the picked on high school phase and will have put on enough muscle to not be a target - plus few 30 year olds spend their time hassling people. Others will have finished their competitive careers.

Ask them why they are still there. You can see it in their eyes that they love it. Whether it's moving heavy weight, the feeling of satisfaction after a good set, or just the general glow and positiveness that it brings to their lives outside the gym - they all love it, it's a part of them, and it brings happiness into their lives.

I recently had to take what was around a year and a half off due to multiple injuries, family, and career issues. I missed it the whole time. Sometimes I'd look in the window and see some kid struggling with 135 with his 4 friends around and I wished that I could do that just once without pain. To feel the weight move, to enjoy a meal afterward with your head charged with endorphins, to go to sleep at night knowing you improved yourself, to know that no matter how bad a day you are having the barbell will be waiting for you. You don't appreciate what you have until you find yourself unable.

I'm getting back into it now as a few things have settled and I've rehabed myself well enough to handle it (and I've been injured more than enough before this too). A few things I've learned. Spend your time well in the gym. Look around between sets and enjoy it. Enjoy how the bar feels on your back even if you used to consider it uncomfortable. Don't think so much about how good things will be after you've achieved whatever goal that got you in there. Think about how good things are right now on the way. There is no dress rehersal in life. The day will come for all of us when we slowly find ourselves unable to do the things we love. Get every ounce out of it now. We focus too much on the future destinations of life's paths rather than the far far greater number of days we spend walking and enjoying the paths we take. Today will never come again.

man thats really deep.. good post

 

[ahimosa]

there's answer in this link ===> www.s_like_gim.ca

 

[Dags]

Stength,health,power,sex appeal,confidence,inreased energy.to releive stress.

 

[*MissFit*]

to shape my body

 

[chicknlegs]

It's a mix of looking good for me and looking good for the women. Also fitness and health play a part. Original reason was definitely for the ladies though...

 

[YoungIntricateMuscle]

To look bigger and fit in clothes better....to wake up in the morning with a huge musclular chest infront of you and go to the mirror and brush your teeth while pumping up your biceps....but also to create a masterpiece out of your body. You only have one life and you have to make yourself the best looking, the smartest, the strongest that you can be. Like schwarzenegger said, "you have to live rich." "when im in the gym its like am having sex with a woman and cumming. Im cumming in the gym. Im cumming when im posing infront of thousands of spectators. Im cumming day and nights. Its great. (haha) "

 

[Ramcononer]

I started lifting cuz when I was younger about 15 or 16 I caught a few ass whoopins from the kids around the neighborhood...So I decided to get as strong as I could so I would no longer get jumped and picked on......at 18 i got bigger and stronger but now bigger and stronger guys jum!ped me and broke my rib and they did it in front of a girl I had a crush on....then I hit the gym even harder..i put all my anger and embarrasement into the weights...quit smoking drastically cut back drinking to almost nothing....that was about 5 years ago...now I rarely ever get fucked with and I waiting for the day when I see those guys who do drugs drink and smoke and as soon as they fuck with me ima mop the floor...that is my inspiration to keep goin....also breaking your own goals is another major reason

 

[AinteasybeingDiesie]

want an honest answer not on the list - I lift heavy because I am so angry with the world and how fucked up life has been - I locate the darkest memories in me & turn them into energy in the form of anger - then I explode with super heavy reps. It keeps me sane. I listen the mudvayne or slipknot in the gym. release the evil - then I go on with my day smiling - no one would ever guess how pissed off I really am. the rest of the day I could listen to more relaxing shit - with my happy ass endorphines going on.

 

[Look its Puck]

Really none of what you posted aside from the fitness and health aspect of it.

I do it because it's a release. When I'm in the gym, I don't have to stress about anything. It's also about personal accomplishment. I want to know my body, I want to get bigger. I want to know what it responds to, what it doesn't.

Doesn't hurt that it looks good, too.

 

[wrknonit]

Because I'm going to be a middle-aged fat ass if I don't do something NOW. I can't get by anymore on the body I built in my teens and twenties. Back then I got addicted to being strong, and found out lean muscle will get you laid. Now I'm more interested in the overall health aspects of it. And it dawned on me recently that I weigh almost exactly what I did when I quit lifting 6 yrs ago, but my waist is 4 inches bigger.