Motivation - What's yours?

[Kaido]

Originally posted by: darkxshade
Motivation is a funny thing. If you think about things like brushing your teeth daily or taking a shower, you've trained yourself to just do it without the need for motivation. So I've trained or mentally prepared myself to a point where exercise is just one of those things I have to do regularly. Then it requires less need for motivation on my part to get off my lazy ass. How do you feel if you wake up one morning and can't brush your teeth[for whatever reason]? Train yourself to feel the same way about exercise.

Good observation - perhaps motivation is only required until exercise has become an unthinking habit!

 

[Red Dawn]

Originally posted by: Kaido

Originally posted by: darkxshade
Motivation is a funny thing. If you think about things like brushing your teeth daily or taking a shower, you've trained yourself to just do it without the need for motivation. So I've trained or mentally prepared myself to a point where exercise is just one of those things I have to do regularly. Then it requires less need for motivation on my part to get off my lazy ass. How do you feel if you wake up one morning and can't brush your teeth[for whatever reason]? Train yourself to feel the same way about exercise.

Good observation - perhaps motivation is only required until exercise has become an unthinking habit!

True, I feel like I'm missing something if I don't go to the gym.

 

[InflatableBuddha]

Originally posted by: Megatomic
It all started off with the express purpose of shedding the fat I'd accumulated over the first 35 years of my life. As I lost the weight I began to enjoy the exercise and stepped it up several times. It has now eclipsed all my other hobbies. For instance, I used to be a computer geek, now I use my computer to post on AT, check email and facebook, and read about running and triathlons.

Now like Buddha I'm trying to push myself to see how far I can go. I started off small with a 15 mile race, in October I'll do a 50K race, and next spring I'll do a 50 mile race. If that goes well, in 2011 I'm going to do a 100 mile race, probably the MMT100. And if I finish that I'm going to put my name in the lottery for the WS100.

I guess my motivation is now addiction...

Mega, you're a beast for running those types of insane distances...that's all I have to say :thumbsup:.

 

[InflatableBuddha]

Originally posted by: Kaido

Originally posted by: darkxshade
Motivation is a funny thing. If you think about things like brushing your teeth daily or taking a shower, you've trained yourself to just do it without the need for motivation. So I've trained or mentally prepared myself to a point where exercise is just one of those things I have to do regularly. Then it requires less need for motivation on my part to get off my lazy ass. How do you feel if you wake up one morning and can't brush your teeth[for whatever reason]? Train yourself to feel the same way about exercise.

Good observation - perhaps motivation is only required until exercise has become an unthinking habit!

If you're in a maintenance training program (looking to sustain fitness but not improve a whole lot), then it's good to have exercise be an automatic, habitual thing.

However, when you're training hard and preparing for competition, as much as it becomes routine to get your workouts done, there are still days when you need motivation. Days when you feel a bit more tired or sore, and you really have to push yourself to go and do the workout, knowing that it will help you compete better.

 

[Deeko]

Originally posted by: Red Dawn

Originally posted by: Kaido

Originally posted by: darkxshade
Motivation is a funny thing. If you think about things like brushing your teeth daily or taking a shower, you've trained yourself to just do it without the need for motivation. So I've trained or mentally prepared myself to a point where exercise is just one of those things I have to do regularly. Then it requires less need for motivation on my part to get off my lazy ass. How do you feel if you wake up one morning and can't brush your teeth[for whatever reason]? Train yourself to feel the same way about exercise.

Good observation - perhaps motivation is only required until exercise has become an unthinking habit!

True, I feel like I'm missing something if I don't go to the gym.

Yea I was just telling someone about work this, when he was asking me how I keep motivated to go to the gym all the time. I've trained myself that its part of my routine to be at the gym 3-4x a week. Its just what I do without thinking. I haven't lifted since the meet 2 weeks ago and it feels very strange.

 

[xboxist]

I haven't lifted in two weeks either. Went camping for a week and I decided to just turn that into an extended heal period since my left arm was giving me trouble. I'll restart this Sunday. I feel panicked, like I've lost everything I've worked for so far. I haven't taken a lifting break since I started a few months ago so this has been weird for me.

 

[SearchMaster]

My weightlifting motivation is purely vain. I don't particularly enjoy working out (I lift at home, not at a gym), but I like the way I look. I'll be 42 next week and I honestly look better than I ever have.

I've started swimming recently because I know I need more cardio exercise. I have always hated running, and I'm not particularly good at it. I generally poop out after a couple of miles. Since I was a swimmer for 10+ years growing up, it was easy to get back into it. I've been doing about a mile at a time in around 35 minutes, and should be under 30 before long.

Side note - I have noticed I'm getting a lot of stares from pretty young ladies at the pool. I told my wife and she said, "well of course, you're HOT!!!" That's why I lift weights.

 

[dealmaster00]

Originally posted by: darkxshade
Motivation is a funny thing. If you think about things like brushing your teeth daily or taking a shower, you've trained yourself to just do it without the need for motivation. So I've trained or mentally prepared myself to a point where exercise is just one of those things I have to do regularly. Then it requires less need for motivation on my part to get off my lazy ass. How do you feel if you wake up one morning and can't brush your teeth[for whatever reason]? Train yourself to feel the same way about exercise.

I never really knew how to describe my motivation but this is it.

 

[imported_Champ]

I came to a sad realization at the end of HS that I was in bad shape and fat, and had difficulties with girls. Its been 1 year and I have put on 20lbs and lost 2 inches off my waist, I have about 10-15 pounds of fat to lose and I am hoping to have that gone by new years

That and a particularly bad experience with a girl in the winter really pushed me

 

[Megatomic]

Originally posted by: InflatableBuddha

Originally posted by: Megatomic
It all started off with the express purpose of shedding the fat I'd accumulated over the first 35 years of my life. As I lost the weight I began to enjoy the exercise and stepped it up several times. It has now eclipsed all my other hobbies. For instance, I used to be a computer geek, now I use my computer to post on AT, check email and facebook, and read about running and triathlons.

Now like Buddha I'm trying to push myself to see how far I can go. I started off small with a 15 mile race, in October I'll do a 50K race, and next spring I'll do a 50 mile race. If that goes well, in 2011 I'm going to do a 100 mile race, probably the MMT100. And if I finish that I'm going to put my name in the lottery for the WS100.

I guess my motivation is now addiction...

Mega, you're a beast for running those types of insane distances...that's all I have to say :thumbsup:.

I haven't done it yet, but thanks. My boy and I are going to go for 20 tomorrow, that'll be a good test for us.

You have any ultra aspirations?

 

[KoolDrew]

Originally posted by: Megatomic

Originally posted by: KoolDrew
...I own a gym...

That's cool. Do you have equipment for endurance athletes? You know, I have some good ideas for a gym and absolutely no ability (i.e. money) to act on them.

Outside of treadmills, ellipticals and bikes, no. We do have dumbbells up to 150lbs, large free weights area, chalk, hammer strength equipment, various machines and two tanning beds. We do have an aerobics room we plan on holding classes in eventually, and we have a large arena that before was generally just rented out for storage in the winter that we plan on holding events in.

 

[irishScott]

1. Mental health. Knowing that I can go to a pick up game and be at least on par with most of the guys out there, knowing that I'm physically attractive, etc. Other, more subtle aspects too. The brain is as much an organ as anything else. You take care of your body and the mind will benefit as much as anything.

2. Energy level. I'm an extremely active/exploratory/adventurous guy, and I intend to be doing random wild shit until I die. You know those 80+ year old guys running marathons? I don't know about marathons, but I'll be doing something.

3. The challenge. It's invigorating. But that's just me in general. Hell just look at my love life. I can be as disgustingly romantic as a Disney prince at times, but the mud wrestling (and ideally other subsequent acts) is where it's at IMO. Likewise I'm generally attracted to the crazier end of the athletic chick spectrum. I like a woman who can give me a run for my money physically (you might be surprised at what some martial arts chicks I know can do). Staying in shape has obvious benefits here. For reference, I'm 5'11" 185 lbs.

 

[Megatomic]

Originally posted by: KoolDrew

Originally posted by: Megatomic

Originally posted by: KoolDrew
...I own a gym...

That's cool. Do you have equipment for endurance athletes? You know, I have some good ideas for a gym and absolutely no ability (i.e. money) to act on them.

Outside of treadmills, ellipticals and bikes, no. We do have dumbbells up to 150lbs, large free weights area, chalk, hammer strength equipment, various machines and two tanning beds. We do have an aerobics room we plan on holding classes in eventually, and we have a large arena that before was generally just rented out for storage in the winter that we plan on holding events in.

Awesome. Have you considered yoga, massage, spinning, and an endless pool or two? If you had that stuff you could have ironman athletes train year round at your facility.

 

[Jeff7181]

Originally posted by: KoolDrew

Originally posted by: Megatomic

Originally posted by: KoolDrew
...I own a gym...

That's cool. Do you have equipment for endurance athletes? You know, I have some good ideas for a gym and absolutely no ability (i.e. money) to act on them.

Outside of treadmills, ellipticals and bikes, no. We do have dumbbells up to 150lbs, large free weights area, chalk, hammer strength equipment, various machines and two tanning beds. We do have an aerobics room we plan on holding classes in eventually, and we have a large arena that before was generally just rented out for storage in the winter that we plan on holding events in.

150 pound dumbbells?!? :shocked:

 

[M0oG0oGaiPan]

just wanna look good nekkid

 

[dealmaster00]

Originally posted by: Jeff7181

Originally posted by: KoolDrew

Originally posted by: Megatomic

Originally posted by: KoolDrew
...I own a gym...

That's cool. Do you have equipment for endurance athletes? You know, I have some good ideas for a gym and absolutely no ability (i.e. money) to act on them.

Outside of treadmills, ellipticals and bikes, no. We do have dumbbells up to 150lbs, large free weights area, chalk, hammer strength equipment, various machines and two tanning beds. We do have an aerobics room we plan on holding classes in eventually, and we have a large arena that before was generally just rented out for storage in the winter that we plan on holding events in.

150 pound dumbbells?!? :shocked:

yeah my gym has those too fwiw. i go to a gold's gym. wish my gym had a large free weights area...

 

[irishScott]

Originally posted by: xboxist
My motivation is two-fold:

1) I went through a scary realization that you only have one body, and it's absolutely insane to do anything less than take stellar care of it. I've completely revamped eating and exercise habits.

2) I used to go to Cedar Point (amusement park in Ohio) every year. Then one time there while in my 20s, the ride attendant was unable to strap me into the ride properly because of my gut. Such a humiliating walk of shame off of that platform. I was disgusted, shocked and embarrassed. I will return there next year and be able to ride everything comfortably. That is my vow.

Just don't take it too far. I know a couple of people who are so obsessed with fitness that they'll skip the beer on a Friday night and intentionally leave themselves partially out of the action. I pity them. Granted I don't have weight problems, but I find it hard to believe that one night of beer, burgers and ice-cream a week will do that much if you exercise regularly.

 

[purbeast0]

Originally posted by: irishScott

Originally posted by: xboxist
My motivation is two-fold:

1) I went through a scary realization that you only have one body, and it's absolutely insane to do anything less than take stellar care of it. I've completely revamped eating and exercise habits.

2) I used to go to Cedar Point (amusement park in Ohio) every year. Then one time there while in my 20s, the ride attendant was unable to strap me into the ride properly because of my gut. Such a humiliating walk of shame off of that platform. I was disgusted, shocked and embarrassed. I will return there next year and be able to ride everything comfortably. That is my vow.

Just don't take it too far. I know a couple of people who are so obsessed with fitness that they'll skip the beer on a Friday night and intentionally leave themselves partially out of the action. I pity them. Granted I don't have weight problems, but I find it hard to believe that one night of beer, burgers and ice-cream a week will do that much if you exercise regularly.

i don't see anything wrong with that at all if that is what they are into.

what if they have plans to go to the gym early saturday morning?

when i was playing football this past spring we had games on saturday which could be as early as 10am. fridays before that if i went out i would definitely take it easy on what i would drink.

 

[irishScott]

Originally posted by: purbeast0

Originally posted by: irishScott

Originally posted by: xboxist
My motivation is two-fold:

1) I went through a scary realization that you only have one body, and it's absolutely insane to do anything less than take stellar care of it. I've completely revamped eating and exercise habits.

2) I used to go to Cedar Point (amusement park in Ohio) every year. Then one time there while in my 20s, the ride attendant was unable to strap me into the ride properly because of my gut. Such a humiliating walk of shame off of that platform. I was disgusted, shocked and embarrassed. I will return there next year and be able to ride everything comfortably. That is my vow.

Just don't take it too far. I know a couple of people who are so obsessed with fitness that they'll skip the beer on a Friday night and intentionally leave themselves partially out of the action. I pity them. Granted I don't have weight problems, but I find it hard to believe that one night of beer, burgers and ice-cream a week will do that much if you exercise regularly.

i don't see anything wrong with that at all if that is what they are into.

what if they have plans to go to the gym early saturday morning?

when i was playing football this past spring we had games on saturday which could be as early as 10am. fridays before that if i went out i would definitely take it easy on what i would drink.

I didn't say get drunk, I said avoid beer in general. I'm talking people who order water and a salad without dressing when everyone else is getting at least a little buzzed while boring into pizza. They usually just get naturally left out and eventually leave early. If they're cool with that then fine, but I think it's a little over the top IMO. The stress relief I get from a night of fun far outweighs the whopping 400 calories that I'll burn just by being awake the next day.

 

[purbeast0]

Originally posted by: irishScott

Originally posted by: purbeast0

Originally posted by: irishScott

Originally posted by: xboxist
My motivation is two-fold:

1) I went through a scary realization that you only have one body, and it's absolutely insane to do anything less than take stellar care of it. I've completely revamped eating and exercise habits.

2) I used to go to Cedar Point (amusement park in Ohio) every year. Then one time there while in my 20s, the ride attendant was unable to strap me into the ride properly because of my gut. Such a humiliating walk of shame off of that platform. I was disgusted, shocked and embarrassed. I will return there next year and be able to ride everything comfortably. That is my vow.

Just don't take it too far. I know a couple of people who are so obsessed with fitness that they'll skip the beer on a Friday night and intentionally leave themselves partially out of the action. I pity them. Granted I don't have weight problems, but I find it hard to believe that one night of beer, burgers and ice-cream a week will do that much if you exercise regularly.

i don't see anything wrong with that at all if that is what they are into.

what if they have plans to go to the gym early saturday morning?

when i was playing football this past spring we had games on saturday which could be as early as 10am. fridays before that if i went out i would definitely take it easy on what i would drink.

I didn't say get drunk, I said avoid beer in general. I'm talking people who order water and a salad without dressing when everyone else is getting at least a little buzzed while boring into pizza. They usually just get naturally left out and eventually leave early. If they're cool with that then fine, but I think it's a little over the top IMO. The stress relief I get from a night of fun far outweighs the whopping 400 calories that I'll burn just by being awake the next day.

ok yes i agree.

while i still dont really see anything wrong with that, those people usually are pretty boring

oh and back on topic, i don't really know what motivates me anymore. i used to be like 160lbs when i graduated college in 2004 and am now 205lbs, but good 205lbs. i wanted to gain weight and have, which is a huge goal for me.

i think i like to set goals and then when i hit them i feel good about it.

i'm just at the point now that if i DONT lift weights after work and just go home, i'm bored. the gym is now a really social place for me too as i've met a ton of people there and workout with probably 5-6 different people now (not all at once).