What fuels your fire?
strebor337
Posts: 168 Member
Most of us have pretty similar goals, but the motivations behind those goals can be really diverse. What drives you to have a healthier more fit lifestyle?
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Replies
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I’m a competitive power lifter, so I’m always trying to lift heavier weights. So my daily goals are the things that will help me do that.5
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I'm 65, live alone, no spouse, siblings, children. Future Ann needs me to have at least baseline health and strength, or her life will be more unhappy/unpleasant.
I want to avoid a permanent move to an assisted living facility for as long as possible. I like being independent. I don't like living in close proximity to other people. I dislike social situations where everyone is around my age (vs. diverse). I'll probably have to stop being vegetarian (which I've been since 1974) in assisted living in order to get minimally adequate nutrition. None of that sounds good.
Also, it's more fun now to be strong and healthy. I wish I'd lost weight decades ago, especially when I figured out how straightforward it is, now that we have calorie-counting apps. (I've been active and reasonably fit for nearing two decades now, including well over a decade while obese, which is why I'm highlighting the weight aspect - both parts are important).12 -
Cufflinks. Wait...wrong thread again.
In that case, feeling powerful and energized throughout the day.7 -
My kids need a healthy, strong, happy mom.
Their mom feels depressed, horrible, dejected when she is not working out, or eating half decently.
I also want to set a good example for them (and their friends). Show them that it's ok to be strong and have muscles if that's what you want. That there are perks to not needing to call someone stronger for help. That if they want to be in the gym and take up space, they can.
And I get a rush out of hearing them brag about mom lifting. Haha
Plus, finally. I love having visible muscles. I love the look and aesthetic. I feel amazing when I feel like I look amazing.9 -
Vanity mostly. I hate the way I look and I’m the heaviest person in the family and certain members of my family have and will make comments behind my back. I was also recently diagnosed with moderate to severe non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and have a gastroenterologist who is quite...firm...about me losing weight. So that’s additional motivation lol.11
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quiksylver296 wrote: »I’m a competitive power lifter, so I’m always trying to lift heavier weights. So my daily goals are the things that will help me do that.
That's cool! What do you love about power lifting?0 -
I'm 65, live alone, no spouse, siblings, children. Future Ann needs me to have at least baseline health and strength, or her life will be more unhappy/unpleasant.
I want to avoid a permanent move to an assisted living facility for as long as possible. I like being independent. I don't like living in close proximity to other people. I dislike social situations where everyone is around my age (vs. diverse). I'll probably have to stop being vegetarian (which I've been since 1974) in assisted living in order to get minimally adequate nutrition. None of that sounds good.
Also, it's more fun now to be strong and healthy. I wish I'd lost weight decades ago, especially when I figured out how straightforward it is, now that we have calorie-counting apps. (I've been active and reasonably fit for nearing two decades now, including well over a decade while obese, which is why I'm highlighting the weight aspect - both parts are important).
That's awesome Ann! An amazing commitment to maintain a vegetarian lifestyle for so many years. I hope I can be as active and free when I'm 65. Good fitness really makes whatever time we have so much more enjoyable. I'm finding that the calorie counter makes a huge difference for me. I thought I had a good idea of what I was eating, but without recording it I'm just shooting in the dark.1 -
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strebor337 wrote: »
You get me 😌1 -
KickassAmazon76 wrote: »My kids need a healthy, strong, happy mom.
Their mom feels depressed, horrible, dejected when she is not working out, or eating half decently.
I also want to set a good example for them (and their friends). Show them that it's ok to be strong and have muscles if that's what you want. That there are perks to not needing to call someone stronger for help. That if they want to be in the gym and take up space, they can.
And I get a rush out of hearing them brag about mom lifting. Haha
Plus, finally. I love having visible muscles. I love the look and aesthetic. I feel amazing when I feel like I look amazing.
It's interesting that you mention taking up space in the gym. I've been taking a course on nonverbal communication and they talk a lot about how occupying space increases testosterone production and inhibits cortisol. Apart from the physical benefits, what a great way to enhance emotional balance!1 -
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Vanity mostly. I hate the way I look and I’m the heaviest person in the family and certain members of my family have and will make comments behind my back. I was also recently diagnosed with moderate to severe non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and have a gastroenterologist who is quite...firm...about me losing weight. So that’s additional motivation lol.
That's a good starting point. I hope you can get to a point where you're motivated as much by love for yourself and internal passion rather than external pressures. Be kind to yourself and embrace the process Harri.2 -
strebor337 wrote: »I'm 65, live alone, no spouse, siblings, children. Future Ann needs me to have at least baseline health and strength, or her life will be more unhappy/unpleasant.
I want to avoid a permanent move to an assisted living facility for as long as possible. I like being independent. I don't like living in close proximity to other people. I dislike social situations where everyone is around my age (vs. diverse). I'll probably have to stop being vegetarian (which I've been since 1974) in assisted living in order to get minimally adequate nutrition. None of that sounds good.
Also, it's more fun now to be strong and healthy. I wish I'd lost weight decades ago, especially when I figured out how straightforward it is, now that we have calorie-counting apps. (I've been active and reasonably fit for nearing two decades now, including well over a decade while obese, which is why I'm highlighting the weight aspect - both parts are important).
That's awesome Ann! An amazing commitment to maintain a vegetarian lifestyle for so many years. I hope I can be as active and free when I'm 65. Good fitness really makes whatever time we have so much more enjoyable. I'm finding that the calorie counter makes a huge difference for me. I thought I had a good idea of what I was eating, but without recording it I'm just shooting in the dark.
Not commitment, not for 46+ years. I never did much like meat, and after a while, it became a habit not to eat it. (Most of it now sounds vaguely disgusting to eat myself, though it doesn't bother me if others do - I was married to a hunter for over 20 years, happily - now long widowed.)
I'm too lazy and hedonistic to do things that take commitment. That puts a priority on my finding methods to accomplish my objectives that don't require much of annoying things like commitment, discipline, hard work, will power . . . . 😉
Like you, I find calorie counting hugely helpful. It's like a fun science-fair experiment for grown-ups, in my world! 🙂3 -
Not commitment, not for 46+ years. I never did much like meat, and after a while, it became a habit not to eat it. (Most of it now sounds vaguely disgusting to eat myself, though it doesn't bother me if others do - I was married to a hunter for over 20 years, happily - now long widowed.)
I'm too lazy and hedonistic to do things that take commitment. That puts a priority on my finding methods to accomplish my objectives that don't require much of annoying things like commitment, discipline, hard work, will power . . . . 😉
Like you, I find calorie counting hugely helpful. It's like a fun science-fair experiment for grown-ups, in my world! 🙂
Spoken like an accountant!1 -
strebor337 wrote: »
Not commitment, not for 46+ years. I never did much like meat, and after a while, it became a habit not to eat it. (Most of it now sounds vaguely disgusting to eat myself, though it doesn't bother me if others do - I was married to a hunter for over 20 years, happily - now long widowed.)
I'm too lazy and hedonistic to do things that take commitment. That puts a priority on my finding methods to accomplish my objectives that don't require much of annoying things like commitment, discipline, hard work, will power . . . . 😉
Like you, I find calorie counting hugely helpful. It's like a fun science-fair experiment for grown-ups, in my world! 🙂
Spoken like an accountant!
Data geek, but not a numbers gal.2 -
For me it’s preparing for retirement. I would like to be in great condition when I retire from full time work. I also want to continue to see “that look” in my wife's eyes when I walk into the room.
My little rustic attic gym with some inspirational wall art helps fuel my fire as well. My latest design needs to be put on the wall.
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Great art Luke! The first time I went to a trainer at the gym, I told him that I was there because I wanted my wife to sigh whenever I took off my shirt. Maybe I should have told her that was the expectation.3
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strebor337 wrote: »Great art Luke! The first time I went to a trainer at the gym, I told him that I was there because I wanted my wife to sigh whenever I took off my shirt. Maybe I should have told her that was the expectation.
Thank you. Yes, getting her in on that plan would have been helpful
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Jesus3
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Always a good coach to have in your corner.1
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My full length mirror. What a great self improvement tool. Helps with fitness and fashion; that reflective thing.3
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Theses days it's something to do. But I actually enjoy working out and it means I can eat what I wish. I find results are addictive I enjoy seeing the changes happening in my body1
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There are numerous motivational factors to my weight loss but the one that I think about almost daily is that I want to feel reassured that when I'm having a conversation with a friend, family member, or coworker they arnt noticing my size first. Hate feeling like I'm the biggest one in the room, and hate that I check to see if I am.2
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I love sports. And it takes some strength, agility, speed and stamina to do it almost regardless of the sport. I want to be able to do that as long as I can without getting injured or being ineffective.
A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
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elisa123gal wrote: »My full length mirror. What a great self improvement tool. Helps with fitness and fashion; that reflective thing.
I do enjoy seeing the pounds come off. As for the fashion, I'll have to work on that one a bit. With my clothes fitting a bit more loosely, I'm about due for a wardrobe update!0 -
Alinouveau2 wrote: »Theses days it's something to do. But I actually enjoy working out and it means I can eat what I wish. I find results are addictive I enjoy seeing the changes happening in my body
That is addictive! I tend to work out to support my diet as well, but I'm getting better about finding a balance. I find that when I'm fit I naturally want to eat better.1 -
blwhitfield22101 wrote: »There are numerous motivational factors to my weight loss but the one that I think about almost daily is that I want to feel reassured that when I'm having a conversation with a friend, family member, or coworker they arnt noticing my size first. Hate feeling like I'm the biggest one in the room, and hate that I check to see if I am.
I'm a big fan of Tony Robbins, and he talks about what a powerful motivator fear can be. I think that concern can get you on the right path, but it might not keep you there. For example, what will keep you motivated when you don't have that concern any more? By the way, you're a beautiful woman, and I can guarantee that your size is not the first thing that the people you should care about are noticing.0 -
I love sports. And it takes some strength, agility, speed and stamina to do it almost regardless of the sport. I want to be able to do that as long as I can without getting injured or being ineffective.
I'm with you Niner. I love to hunt, and I find that if I'm not in shape it really limits my ability to enjoy the sport. I want to keep doing it for as long as I'm able, and pushing myself to do things that are just outside my comfort zone really helps keep me in that sweet spot. Thanks for sharing.0
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