Full Time Weight Training If Not Competing

[ENP]

I've just started out weight training to complement and strengthen up for my triathlon training. There are lots of big muscle guys around doing their thing.

It just got me wondering, if they aren't training for any particular weight lifting competition or race (like I would for triathlon) then what are they doing it for? Also how do they keep motivated with no particular competition goal?

Are they doing it for the hot chicks or just so they have arms the size of tree trunks?

[steak]

I guess I would fall into that bracket...general though it is...and in short my answer is strength gains and seeing my body grow. There is also a level of enjoyment attached to it which at times I could only describe as europhic :grin:

[Hybrid]

It just got me wondering, if they aren't training for any particular weight lifting competition or race (like I would for triathlon) then what are they doing it for? Also how do they keep motivated with no particular competition goal?

I have a passion for Bodybuilding and am not a competitive Bodybuilder. It's a personal journey that never stops throwing challenges at me. Hard to explain if you're not on the same boat.

[Pseudonym]

Vanity. :wink:

[Chillicat]

Vanity. :wink:

Yep, that's my motivation!

That, and the fact that I'm not overly sporty, but I do really enjoy lifting weights. When I hit 30 I knew that sooner or later gravity would start taking its toll, and that I'd need to do some kind of exercise to try and combat that - and this is the thing that I enjoy.

I don't think competition needs to be a goal for bodybuilding or any sport - there's nothing wrong with doing it just for the sheer enjoyment and personal pleasure you get at seeing the improvements you make. Same for any other sport - loads of people are never going to be Tiger Woods, but it doesn't stop them loving golf, or whatever, and going out to do it whenever they can.

[trainharder]

my motivation is to look good for my age and have a physique that a gf wont be able to take her hands off.

I also find my self esteem is better when i am in better shape.

[agent86]

I have competed in many sports including squash , triathlon,rugby,basketball,Rock n' Roll Dance and bodybuilding. In every one I have competed as I need goals to keep me on track. At present am having a year off from bodybuilding competitions and am having trouble getting motivated in the gym. This year however I have done 5 dance competitions which has kept me on track in that sport.

I thrive on competing and doubt I could motivate myself by wanting to look good alone as most people think big is too freaky for the beach.

Might have to set a bodybuilding competition date to get me motivated again.

[rose]

[Gym rat]

I have got a huge passion for bodybuilding and I enjoy the lifestyle aspect of this this sport watching the body grow and eating more then the average person also putting the size of my lunch compare to my coworkers lunches to shame and I enjoy smashing myself in the gym so I can look very hot in the gym for the hotties in the gym then I would get :shifty: because I am hot good looking filmstar 8)

[two_phat]

.

[Rag the Dog]

for me its now my chosen sport, even though i dont compete. I gave up rugby in my early 20s after too many concussions and the gym fills that void. Most people doing it regularly have a real driving passion for it, and you need to if youre gonna stick at it. Its also about injury prevention and rehab for me, I have a pretty crook back and if I dont stay strong I have a real chance of leading a less than mobile existance. But the over riding desire is to be like Arnie

[two_phat]

Coupla reasons...

I like to be better than the average joe walking down the street in every aspect of my life.

I like looking good.

Girls tend to like me more when I'm looking good.

[tonyb]

I originally started weights cos the doc said I had high blood pressure, high cholestrol and was overweight for my age. He said carry on like that and your gonna be a heart attack victim.

I enjoyed it so much that I have now made it part of my lifestyle. I really enjoy having a flat stomach and when I see guys with big beer bellys it makes me feel even better.

It's damn hard work to get ripped so I don't feel bad about looking good at all.

[VampireChick]

Vanity. :wink:

Hahahaha I love your honesty.

Guess I would fall into that category too (would like to complete some day but with my wrist injury it wont happen any time soon)

[ThePman]

I lift just because I enjoy doing it. It's become about the process more than the results for me.

Mainly because I just explode something any time I try to genuinely get stronger. Dieting and being in shape seems to agree with me tho, so after the meet next weekend I'll probably go back to my style of training to be Pretty.

[Ordy]

Yeah for me its a few reasons.

I like to do things that better myself, whether its gym, learning new things etc..

Was too skinny and wanted to be big, feels a lot better even tho im just partway there, so how I look.

I enjoy my time at the Gym 90% of the time, (dont like a few exercises:) )

[justhell]

I guess I would fall into that bracket...general though it is...and in short my answer is strength gains and seeing my body grow. There is also a level of enjoyment attached to it which at times I could only describe as europhic :grin:

what he said :ditto:

[michaelk]

Strange question from a Triathlete, after all...why do people go swimming, bike riding, or jogging if they don't want to compete or win?

The gym is not for everyone, but then neither is the squash court or the rugby field.

Do Golfers play because they like to wear silly clothes?

I wear silly clothes and don't play golf.

[Monarchking]

life motivation has inceased by

this much since lifting weight I love it!