What motivates you in the gym?

[Moocey]

I get obsessed with numbers. Every time I go to the gym or think about my next workout, I think about a number that I'm trying to reach, or one that I'm trying to raise/lower. I don't focus on how I look, because I find it hard to notice changes in appearance on a day-to-day basis. Numbers, however, are easier to keep track of and significant changes in numbers over a few weeks will surely produce visible results.

For a while, it was 315 - my personal record on bench press. I didn't get there, but I came pretty close. Now that I've shifted into weight-loss mode, it's my weight. I make sure that I keep my diet in check and run hard every day, because it will be worth it to me when I step on the scale and see that I've lost another pound. If I can keep this up for a few weeks, then I could be in striking distance of 200, maybe even 199.

 

[DarkHelmet]

For me, it's about what I look like in my more form-fitting clothes. Now that I'm on the way back down again, it's motivating me even more.

I used to care about weight/body fat when I was personal training, but now not as much.

 

[Mitty]

Well, obvious results like an increase in weight on a particular exercise will motivate me, or when someone comments that I "look good". That's always nice.

This may sound bad but also the perve factor is a very good motivator. There's a lot of good looking guys at my gym, and it does indeed motivate you to do better, go that bit harder, knowing that it's a step closer to looking as good as them.

 

[RAMA]

I get obsessed with numbers. Every time I go to the gym or think about my next workout, I think about a number that I'm trying to reach, or one that I'm trying to raise/lower. I don't focus on how I look, because I find it hard to notice changes in appearance on a day-to-day basis. Numbers, however, are easier to keep track of and significant changes in numbers over a few weeks will surely produce visible results.

For a while, it was 315 - my personal record on bench press. I didn't get there, but I came pretty close. Now that I've shifted into weight-loss mode, it's my weight. I make sure that I keep my diet in check and run hard every day, because it will be worth it to me when I step on the scale and see that I've lost another pound. If I can keep this up for a few weeks, then I could be in striking distance of 200, maybe even 199.

What motivates me overall is to not look like I did 10-11 years ago when I was overweight. Looking and feeling better is a great motivator on its own. A secondary reason was to stay in shape because it attracted a lot more women. And there was a good 4-5 year period where I also was very conscious of the weight I lifted, but that has mostly dropped by the wayside.

RAMA

 

[Number_6]

It depends. Some days it's the desire to go home and feel that good tired feeling, knowing that I've had a good workout and "earned" the right to sit and read, watch TV, etc.

Some days it's personal appearance.

And, admittedly, some days it's knowing that the chick with the hot ass might notice if I wimp out and fail to finish a set.