View Full Version : Help me understand the desire to be a muscle-bound gym rat
Gas-man
11-27-2009, 05:03 PM
Our company has a nice gym/weight room/pool.
I see some guys there who are just ginormous. They spend hour after hour after building themselves up...to sit in an office all day.
I'm not talking about "exercising" here. I'm talking about bulking yourself up to 250 plus pounds.
Help me understand the motivation to make yourself into a linebacker.
:huh
BarkingTree
11-27-2009, 05:17 PM
Yeah time spent in other areas..for me. I do enjoy a little fitness and toning for conditioning and wellness. Generally I think if you got it you tend to develop it so..
maybe they consider bulking up a talent.
Thwap
11-27-2009, 05:20 PM
I'd imagine it's a goal for some, and the trip to get there is its own reward.
Kind of like a guy who plays guitar, and practices regularly to improve, with no intention of playing for/with anyone.
shane88
11-27-2009, 05:21 PM
mainly penis envy
johneeeveee
11-27-2009, 05:24 PM
It's not about fitness at that extreme. It's about seeing how far you can go, and if they are actual competing bodybuilders, it's about the "sport" of competing for size, symmetry and definition.
I've never been interested in such a thing, and some of that activity is actually detrimental to real fitness, but i can undertsand the obsession in the same way we are all obsessed with gear and tone.
Cobra
11-27-2009, 05:41 PM
http://img135.imageshack.us/img135/6478/2637se3.jpg
TommyGuitar
11-27-2009, 05:45 PM
Personally, I want to get as muscular as I can without taking steroids. Once you get into juicing then you really can start to look like a freak. It's pretty hard to be freaky as a natural bodybuilder, though.
jimmybcool
11-27-2009, 05:54 PM
Why would anyone care that someone else is doing something good for them. Sounds like envy to me.
oldschoolguy
11-27-2009, 06:20 PM
My son is into body building--not the style to develop muscle definition but geared towards how much weight you can lift--powerlifting. I'm 5'11 and weigh about 150 and he's about 5'9" and about 380 or more. He's been a "gym rat" since about 17 and has always been big. There's a group of powerlifters in our area who hold world records for their respective ages and he trains with them. Just a fun thing for him to do. He does not play guitar and has no interest in it whatsoever.
Peppy
11-27-2009, 06:26 PM
mainly penis envy
You lift often?
daddyo
11-27-2009, 06:39 PM
I used to be into bodybuilding and powerlifting. Spent a season training with some olympic lifters and their coach (that's an eye opener if you've only done powerlifting). Never went too far because I wouldn't do the roids but I got pretty strong. It's just a good feeling having a bit of oomf in your thews. I never pushed anyone around or wore silly tight shirts. What's the attraction of tats or piercings? Silly questions.
Julia343
11-27-2009, 07:08 PM
I think it's something to do with OCD. We had a woman at the local gym who did so many steroids she had to shave her face daily. I'd seen her with her 5 o'clock shadow. Yikes! Guys were juicing up in the locker room. Sometimes they'd come out and if they were wearing white near the injection site if they were sloppy with it sometimes there'd be a little blood stain. Back in the 90s.
I do not find it attractive unless it's got a lot of symmetry and balance like Arnold did back in the day. But by todays standards he was small.
Jiffy_Jeff
11-27-2009, 07:11 PM
http://img135.imageshack.us/img135/6478/2637se3.jpg
I just got a little vomit in the back of my throat from looking at that...
That aint right!
sixstring531
11-27-2009, 08:46 PM
It's their GAS. I don't expect people to understand my obsession with trying new gear or choosing to sit in the woods or on the lake for hours on end (yes, I hunt and fish) -- but that's what I love to do.
One obsession I don't understand is having to have the newest cell phone and texting the crap out of your day.
To each his own. Why do some want to run marathons? Why do some like to get their entire bodies tattoed? Why do some sit and play their guitar all day? Everyone has his/her own motivation. It's best not to judge.
re-animator
11-27-2009, 09:11 PM
because i want to be excellent at everything i do.
monty
11-27-2009, 09:17 PM
It is addictive just like playing guitar is.
Once you start to see results, you want to keep going.
Mr_You
11-27-2009, 09:28 PM
Our company has a nice gym/weight room/pool.
A pool?!??!?!
Man I would love to swim laps in a pool twice daily if I could. Yer lucky!
FenderBigot
11-27-2009, 10:15 PM
As a former "gym rat" and now trying to get back into being healthy and AT THE GYM three days a week... there is a natural high or endorphin release that can be somewhat addictive. Plus there's also knowing that you can kick the ass of that scrawny guitar playing douche bag that's hitting on your girlfried at the bar!!!
FYI... just ran my first 5K and I'm super proud of it.
sovtekking
11-27-2009, 11:03 PM
As a former "gym rat" and now trying to get back into being healthy and AT THE GYM three days a week... there is a natural high or endorphin release that can be somewhat addictive. Plus there's also knowing that you can kick the ass of that scrawny guitar playing douche bag that's hitting on your girlfried at the bar!!!
FYI... just ran my first 5K and I'm super proud of it.
Just to add to the above...lifting by itself is not building fitness. Getting 'big' is easy compared to truly getting fit. I've seen plenty of guys that could bench 300lbs, curl 70+ per arm, and squat a freakin house, but they can't do half as many pullups or pushups as me and certainly couldn't outrun me. Being strong is great, but at a certain point it just becomes dead weight.
EDIT: Congrats on the 5K. That's a big step for someone that isn't a runner. Next up 10K and Half Marathon!!!
xntrick
11-28-2009, 01:01 AM
it's starts out when guys want to get in a little better shape, you eat right and you feel great after a good workout and there is also the high of getting pumped and feeling that intense burn and it escalates from there..it is very similar to someone just buying an acoustic and 1 year later they have major GAS and a basement full of gear...
Millul
11-28-2009, 06:01 AM
Just to add to the above...lifting by itself is not building fitness. Getting 'big' is easy compared to truly getting fit. I've seen plenty of guys that could bench 300lbs, curl 70+ per arm, and squat a freakin house, but they can't do half as many pullups or pushups as me and certainly couldn't outrun me. Being strong is great, but at a certain point it just becomes dead weight.
EDIT: Congrats on the 5K. That's a big step for someone that isn't a runner. Next up 10K and Half Marathon!!!
I think it depends on goals: I am a powerlifter, and I cmpete in this sport, so my goal is to be the strongest I can at a certain bodyweight, in a set day.
If running 10k would make me stronger, I'd do it.
Millul
11-28-2009, 06:02 AM
My son is into body building--not the style to develop muscle definition but geared towards how much weight you can lift--powerlifting. I'm 5'11 and weigh about 150 and he's about 5'9" and about 380 or more. He's been a "gym rat" since about 17 and has always been big. There's a group of powerlifters in our area who hold world records for their respective ages and he trains with them. Just a fun thing for him to do. He does not play guitar and has no interest in it whatsoever.
Where does your son lift, if I can ask?
Polynitro
11-28-2009, 07:16 AM
So all clothes will fit like crap?
Im not a "I don't get it" person, its just not my bag.
i used to work out all the time, but i played college baseball, so there really wasn't a choice about it. i used to see guys in the gym over the summer in the off season and wonder why spend this much time doing this if you don't have to, i know if i wasn't playing baseball i would not be working out as hard as i was. i would have been spending my time doing something much more fun.
some guys really like it though, i don't, they set goals and work out hard to accomplish them, nothing wrong with that. now days, i'm only good for a hike, i guess i'm lazy.
To hook up with gym rat chicks who have 5% body fat?
rob2001
11-28-2009, 08:28 AM
To each his own. Why do some want to run marathons? Why do some like to get their entire bodies tattoed? Why do some sit and play their guitar all day? Everyone has his/her own motivation. It's best not to judge.
This^^^^^^^^^
Knuckles
11-28-2009, 08:30 AM
Because one day I'll run into the guys that used to push me around in school and then we'll see who gets the last laugh.
derekd
11-28-2009, 08:41 AM
As a former "gym rat" and now trying to get back into being healthy and AT THE GYM three days a week... there is a natural high or endorphin release that can be somewhat addictive. Plus there's also knowing that you can kick the ass of that scrawny guitar playing douche bag that's hitting on your girlfried at the bar!!!
FYI... just ran my first 5K and I'm super proud of it.
Congrats on your 5K, that is an accomplishment. I would like to comment on the ass kicking part. I used to teach at a martial arts and fitness place when I was in grad school. Several competitive power lifters and a few body builders. Those guys thought because they were big and strong (they were!) they could fight. I found it to be the opposite.
Couldn't move very well, and would get gassed easy. It takes a bunch of O2 to keep those muscles going. I think you are doing it the right way. Cardio along with the lifting is a great combo.
fredgarvin
11-28-2009, 12:09 PM
Of course, in a REAL fight, it's over in a few seconds. Training at the dojo, Competitions and tournaments are a different thing altogether..
zekmoe
11-28-2009, 12:23 PM
Why would anyone spend all day parusing an internet forum that has multiple threads on pedalboard wirings and layouts? It's because it's something they like to do. Just like the gym rat.
FenderBigot
11-28-2009, 12:24 PM
Congrats on the 5K. That's a big step for someone that isn't a runner. Next up 10K and Half Marathon!!!
Thanks... considering I had a head cold that morning, I'm very happy with my performance.
Congrats on your 5K, that is an accomplishment. I would like to comment on the ass kicking part. I used to teach at a martial arts and fitness place when I was in grad school. Several competitive power lifters and a few body builders. Those guys thought because they were big and strong (they were!) they could fight. I found it to be the opposite.
Couldn't move very well, and would get gassed easy. It takes a bunch of O2 to keep those muscles going. I think you are doing it the right way. Cardio along with the lifting is a great combo.
Thanks too... and FYI, the ass-kicking thing was a bit of joke as I too am a guitar player.
Millul
11-28-2009, 12:37 PM
Of course, as you probably already know, it wouldn't. Now, incorporating one or possibly two days a week of 100-200 meter sprints at your local track might be of great value to you.
I don't know, Marko: I already train my lower body 3 times a week (2 squats and 1 deadlift/week) and sprinting would probabily affect my recovery a bit too much, but I may try it in the off season: thank you for the tip!
Because one day I'll run into the guys that used to push me around in school and then we'll see who gets the last laugh.
If you do anything it will be the lawyers.
mge80
11-28-2009, 02:10 PM
he's about 5'9" and about 380 or more. He's been a "gym rat" since about 17 and has always been big. .
5'9" and "380 or more" is beyond being a "gym rat" and "big". I can't envision any circumstances where that could be remotely healthy.
He is asking for major problems when he is older.
But, as this thread seems to indicate, again and again. To each his own.
Jarrett
11-28-2009, 02:20 PM
Plus there's also knowing that you can kick the ass of that scrawny guitar playing douche bag that's hitting on your girlfried at the bar!!!Of course, in a REAL fight, it's over in a few seconds. Training at the dojo, Competitions and tournaments are a different thing altogether..Those guys thought because they were big and strong (they were!) they could fight. I found it to be the opposite. Couldn't move very well, and would get gassed easy. It takes a bunch of O2 to keep those muscles going.I had a feeling this might come up in this thread. Please don't confuse bulk with fighting ability. I'd put my money on a 180lb dude that boxes for fun at his local gym over a 280lb musclehead any day. I've seen that play out too many times.
Millul
11-28-2009, 02:37 PM
Hey Jarrett, I'm a powerlifter and I've done both boxing and judo! And guess what?? I weight 180 lbs!!! Do I win something?
I can't find that "smile" smilie, dang it!
Millul
11-28-2009, 02:41 PM
No problem, my friend. What you would probably want to do is cycle it in your routine from time to time to give your legs (and really your whole body) a shock they aren't used to getting. Replace one of your lower body workout days with a sprinting session. You're almost guaranteed to see your strength go up in your squats and deadlifts as a result.
OK, I'll try this out next late spring/early summer: as of now, I've already programmed my training from next week to the last week of April, when there'll be the Italian Powerlifting Nationals, and since I have to learn how to use powerlifting gear, I cannot skip a core lift training; but after Nationals, I'll try out what you suggested me! Thanks again.
gpro34
11-28-2009, 03:09 PM
mainly penis envy
Funny, that's what most girls I know say when they see a guy driving an overtly luxurious or fancy car.
gpro34
11-28-2009, 03:11 PM
I had a feeling this might come up in this thread. Please don't confuse bulk with fighting ability. I'd put my money on a 180lb dude that boxes for fun at his local gym over a 280lb musclehead any day. I've seen that play out too many times.
Yeah, but I'll take the guy who trains in boxing and has superhuman strength. Those two factors are what equals a serious brawler. Those heavy weights with huge hands and huge power will tear your head off. The lighter weight guys always make into the later rounds for a reason.
Hunterdog
11-28-2009, 03:11 PM
I just got a little vomit in the back of my throat from looking at that...
That aint right!
We're you get that picture of dear old Mom ?
gpro34
11-28-2009, 03:15 PM
Our company has a nice gym/weight room/pool.
I see some guys there who are just ginormous. They spend hour after hour after building themselves up...to sit in an office all day.
I'm not talking about "exercising" here. I'm talking about bulking yourself up to 250 plus pounds.
Help me understand the motivation to make yourself into a linebacker.
:huh
Arnold once said that it's no different for a man to get in a car and want to make it down the track in 5 seconds "that for me is strange."
I'm not sure you could understand it, but it's no different than anything else taken to the extreme, such as playing guitar 12 hours a day.
nitehawk55
11-28-2009, 03:32 PM
They have a nice student athletic centre at the university I work at and I had to look after that building from May till August of this year . All mirriros in the weight lifting area and I could not believe how much some of these guys were looking at themselves.....I mean they needed to take out a marrage licence and get hitched to themselves :facepalm
I think keeping in shape is great but not when vanity and obsession get to be an issue , I think you're doing it for the wrong reasons at that point .
Hunterdog
11-28-2009, 03:49 PM
Arnold once said that it's no different for a man to get in a car and want to make it down the track in 5 seconds "that for me is strange."
I'm not sure you could understand it, but it's no different than anything else taken to the extreme, such as playing guitar 12 hours a day.
I would have never thought Arnold Palmer would have uttered such a statement. Well, live and learn, I suppose.
Stike
11-28-2009, 05:11 PM
I think keeping in shape is great but not when vanity and obsession get to be an issue , I think you're doing it for the wrong reasons at that point .
Agree. The guys (gals too I see) who look like shaved, upright bulldogs with more bulging veins than a gay porn flick kind of weird me out.
Agree. The guys (gals too I see) who look like shaved, upright bulldogs with more bulging veins than a gay porn flick kind of weird me out.
I'm gonna just take your word on that ok? :tapedshut
http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb55/mjennings2k3/hans-and-franz.jpg
I mean- look at them- I am but a humble girly man compared to these guys.
greenlander
11-28-2009, 07:18 PM
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x7ttvq_how-much-ya-benchy_fun
derekd
11-28-2009, 07:39 PM
Hey Jarrett, I'm a powerlifter and I've done both boxing and judo! And guess what?? I weight 180 lbs!!! Do I win something?
I can't find that "smile" smilie, dang it!
A fight most likely, if you find yourself in an unfortunate situation where you have to.
JoeB63
11-28-2009, 07:49 PM
I used to be heavy into lifting to have a great physique (though I never really got there) --- but now that I think about it, I got into lifting and guitar playing for the same reasons:
1) I felt I would be more attractive to girls if I had more muscle (or in my case, any muscle), and if I could play guitar.
2) I wanted some recognition from others for my accomplishment, e.g. to have someone look at me and say "I can tell you work out a lot" or "Wow - it's so cool that you can play that on guitar."
Now that I'm middle aged, I'm past that, but in my teens and twenties those were pretty powerful motivators. Now combine that with being a person who can get relatively obsessive about things, and there you go.....
CALI68
11-28-2009, 07:51 PM
Our company has a nice gym/weight room/pool.
I see some guys there who are just ginormous. They spend hour after hour after building themselves up...to sit in an office all day.
I'm not talking about "exercising" here. I'm talking about bulking yourself up to 250 plus pounds.
Help me understand the motivation to make yourself into a linebacker.
:huh
See this thread:
http://www.thegearpage.net/board/showthread.php?t=633157
:)
-Chris
brett8388
11-29-2009, 06:17 AM
I used to be heavy into lifting to have a great physique (though I never really got there) --- but now that I think about it, I got into lifting and guitar playing for the same reasons:
1) I felt I would be more attractive to girls if I had more muscle (or in my case, any muscle), and if I could play guitar.
2) I wanted some recognition from others for my accomplishment, e.g. to have someone look at me and say "I can tell you work out a lot" or "Wow - it's so cool that you can play that on guitar."
Now that I'm middle aged, I'm past that, but in my teens and twenties those were pretty powerful motivators. Now combine that with being a person who can get relatively obsessive about things, and there you go.....
Exactly why I started working out at 20 - I was already playing guitar and I thought (correctly, I would add) that a good physique would help with the ladies. I went from 180 (very skinny) to 270 in four years and have hovered around there for 15+ years now.
Now with a wife and kid, I still work out, but just as a way to remain in shape and as a release from daily stress. It's the only individual thing I can quickly do during a break from the office to relieve stress. It's me against a pile of weights and I decide how many times I'm going to move it. It's a minor accomplishment, but an accomplishment nonetheless when I'm done.
Plus there is still nice 22 year old eye candy in the gym for old guys like me.
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