Why do you work out
 

With Tanks threads on pumpin' up, thought I'd toss out the question, what motivates you to work out? Is it an ego thing, or were you a wimp as a young fella that got tired of being the wimp(that's what got me going in high school), or do you just have pride in yourself and want to take care of what you have.
I never attained "Hulk" status, but was in decent enough shape that the guys on the football team in my high school were always trying to recruit me when they saw me working out in the weight room 3 times a day. I got a kick out of turning them down(no interest in sports), but still being able to keep up with them in the weight room:D (And out do alot of them) But I kinda lost my motivation when I hit about 30. Now I've kinda joined the other side so to speak;)

I've recently dusted off the equipment and resumed a workout program.

I wish my reasons were as noble as the rest of the posters here, but alas, I do it to counteract the damaging emotional effects of low self esteem.

Did a rigorous program in college as an outlet to my dismal academic progress and my lack of success in the "babedom" arena...my grades didn't improve (nor did my sex life), but I there was that brief period when I was truly "buff".

Nowadays, it's to stave off the "mid life crisis"...I look at the receding hairline, the spare tire I've inherited from my beer consumption, and health ailments as a result of poor eating habits and generally low activity.

So it's time to turn things around...never too late!

Some of us don't even heed our own advice...
:rolleyes:...

It's a vice that I have struggled with since childhood...and it can be easily masked in other ways (i.e., multiple MBs in the garage ;) ).

I work closely with a co-worker who has esteem problems as well. She's never been married, no relationship...but she's stunningly attractive, a great job, her own house, friendly, etc. And she regularly works out too (and it shows ;) ). From my vantage point, I would ask her the same question you just did, and I'm sure she couldn't put her finger on it either...it's sad.

I workout because someone is going to have to replace Arnold in Terminator 5. ;)

Here's my reasons:

1. Endorphins feel great and the general feeling of good health throughout the day is always nice.

2. It helps to blow off steam. It's also good for mind and soul.

3. My dad died at the age of 64. He drank regularly and smoked up to five packs a day. That won't be my route!

4. Some self-confidince issues.... I guess.

I've always been skinny, with a small skeletal frame. For me, keeping the weight ON is the problem! About a year into weight training, my weight got up as high as 164. Now, I'm around 155. I don't do legs much anymore because my knees hurt, so I lost some weight there. My upper body is stronger than it was when I weighed more and I'm a lot more "cut" now as well. :D

I know what you mean. Nothing funnier than seeing some guy walking around the gym looking like a crab with legs!!

My upper body simply can't get that big, so I won't look like that. But I know I need to keep up with the legs. I ride the excersise bike three times a week, so they're not ridiculously skinny.

I've always stayed away from full squats. I use the 45 degree machine and the leg extention (for quads). The one that hurt the most is the one used for the hamsrings. I'll stay away from that.

I'll take your suggestions, though, because I do need to get the legs back in shape.

Thanks!