Log In

Your email is not your username

Register

If you were a member of the old Bodybuilding.com forums and would like to reuse your previous username, you can request it below. We use your email only for registration and do not store it. For more information, please see our Privacy Policy.

Confirm your email

A registration code was sent to your email. Enter it here.

Welcome

You have successfully setup your account.

Sign in

Quick Navigation Bottom Misc
Forum » What motivates you to keep lifting weights?
  1. Results 1 to 30 of 32
  2. Page 1 of 2
  3. 1
  4. 2
  6. Last

Thread: What motivates you to keep lifting weights?

post 10000085469 03-12-2026, 09:25 PM
-
#1
  1. AceCorona
  2. The Crown of Chaos
  1. AceCorona
  2. The Crown of Chaos
  3. Join Date: Feb, 2026
  4. Location: California
  5. Height: 6'0"
  6. Posts: 493
  7. Subscribers: 1
  8. Rep Power: 4642

What motivates you to keep lifting weights?

I like seeing my muscles grow, and I love the feeling of the pump after a workout. For a couple of hours after training biceps, I can feel that it’s bigger, and days later it still feels tighter than when I don’t lift, and I love it.

What motivates you the most?
If you’re born to the iron, you’ll know it the first time you lift!
post 10000085537 03-13-2026, 01:01 AM
-
#2
  1. MajorTendonitis
  1. MajorTendonitis
  3. Join Date: Jan 2016
  4. Location: East Kootenays BC
  5. Age: 65
  6. Height: 5'8"
  7. Weight: 241 lbs
  8. Posts: 41,976
  9. Subscribers: 8
  10. Rep Power: 715142
I also love the pump and feels later . It’s too bad things went for chit , cause srs I was feeling so fking much better again , and only after 4 months of constant training.
I’m basically fked for another year at least because of ego lifting and the amount it’s flared up my tendonitis. I went from benching 90 pound dumbbells in oct to not being able to tip a glass of water to my mouth .
Chit happens though and hopefully I’m still kicking in 2027 and start up again
Back with my Fam
post 10000085540 03-13-2026, 01:14 AM
-
#3
  1. LargePeter
  2. Fuck off, Lahey!
  1. LargePeter
  2. Fuck off, Lahey!
  3. Join Date: Aug 2011
  4. Location: Kuntstralia, Australia
  5. Posts: 41,435
  6. Subscribers: 5
  7. Rep Power: 571383
Staying jacked
RAW DOG CREW LIEUTENANT

ALL ROADS LEAD TO MENTZER

President Donald J Trump Crew
Steroids Crew
Growth Hormone Crew
Miscers Who Lift Crew
Robert Pickton Hooker Disposal Crew
Mustang Crew
No Alcohol Crew

Gay Phaggot Crew:
Papi Cholo
post 10000085544 03-13-2026, 01:21 AM
-
#4
  1. explosiveMidget
  2. Always creepin never sleepin
  1. explosiveMidget
  2. Always creepin never sleepin
  3. Join Date: Mar 2014
  4. Location: IRELAND
  5. Age: 35
  6. Height: 5'6"
  7. Weight: 203 lbs
  8. Posts: 28,813
  9. Subscribers: 11
  10. Rep Power: 276146
Originally Posted By LargePeter⏩
Staying jacked
This
post 10000085554 03-13-2026, 02:12 AM
-
#5
  1. BolognaNbeans
  2. Very Good Poster
  1. BolognaNbeans
  2. Very Good Poster
  3. Join Date: Jan, 2026
  4. Posts: 968
  5. Rep Power: 50143
I don't want to be a fat weak old turd
post 10000085564 03-13-2026, 03:35 AM
-
#6
  1. SpeakethTruth
  2. Registered User
  1. SpeakethTruth
  2. Registered User
  3. Join Date: May 2020
  4. Posts: 4,013
  5. Rep Power: 67347
I had a detailed answer written out but decided to go with a more concise response. I started lifting wanting to put on some muscle. Ended up having a lagging chest for years. Finally started to get some good pec development when I switched from dumbbells to wide grip flat barbell bench as my main pressing movement. By then I was already kind of strong on bench. Then fell into goal chasing and for the last few years the main motivation has been getting stronger on keys lifts. Each time I hit a new milestone, the next one felt like it was within reach.

There is an end point to the goal chasing though. Further progression has only been getting harder and at some point you hit the final major milestone on a lift that you'll be able to get to without steroids. Or the drawbacks required for further progress no longer make sense - putting on further body weight when you're already quite heavy, increasingly frequent deloads from the strain of lifting heavier and heavier, dealing with injuries and general aches and pains that inevitably come with pushing your limits over and over again. At some point you just want to relax a bit enjoy what you've built, bench 3 plates for a few reps once a week, and not having to push yourself physically and mentally for small incremental gains when there's no more major milestones that you can realistically reach.

Other reasons for lifting. Not being weak. Having a good physique provides a dopamine hit from time to time. Oh and obviously it doesn't hurt on the rare occasion when a sloot compliments your physique.
post 10000085598 03-13-2026, 05:44 AM
-
#7
  1. ectobruh
  1. ectobruh
  3. Join Date: Feb 2011
  4. Location: United States
  5. Weight: 180 lbs
  6. Posts: 19,929
  7. Rep Power: 96419
Post deleted by user
FLAT: 225x15 INCLINE DB 100x15 incline bench 225x8 deadlift: [RETIRED!! OUTTA HERE] FS: 225X14
post 10000085602 03-13-2026, 05:58 AM
-
#8
  1. MichelleLnne
  2. Troll Patrol
  1. MichelleLnne
  2. Troll Patrol
  3. Join Date: Sep 2010
  4. Location: Nunya, Bizness USA
  5. Age: 41
  6. Posts: 20,895
  7. Subscribers: 3
  8. Rep Power: 310024
I have weakness and core shit that has proven to be unfixable with yoga and low weight exercises so I’m hoping adding weights will fix the rest of the problems. My core is actually pretty strong because I’ve done yoga for years. I think my arms being weak af is the problem. I incorporate the wrong muscles to do shit and end up off kilter because of if.
I wouldn’t mind looking fit but I’m mostly concerned with how I feel
Ignore list:

Johnvee73
post 10000085609 03-13-2026, 06:17 AM
-
#9
  1. ezmac31
  1. ezmac31
  3. Join Date: Jun 2009
  4. Location: Michigan, United States
  5. Age: 43
  6. Posts: 20,160
  7. Subscribers: 1
  8. Rep Power: 247931
Not looking my age like every other oldcel does
post 10000085630 03-13-2026, 06:41 AM
-
#10
  1. MegaSloot
  1. MegaSloot
  3. Join Date: Jul 2017
  4. Posts: 10,892
  5. Rep Power: 86784
This is a deep question. Honestly it's hard enough to lift the weights and put the down. I'm not prepared to answer why. It has something to do with donuts, but the details are hazy.
post 10000085646 03-13-2026, 06:56 AM
-
#11
  1. nothingshocking
  1. nothingshocking
  3. Join Date: Jan 2017
  4. Location: Uranus, Gambia
  5. Posts: 36,359
  6. Subscribers: 5
  7. Rep Power: 948976
Don't want the diabetes
Like to be strong
Can't manage stress without lifting
Enjoy constantly improving
I want to be fit and strong into old age so I don't sit on the couch all day when I'm 70
post 10000085649 03-13-2026, 06:59 AM
-
#12
  1. Bando
  1. Bando
  3. Join Date: Jun 2007
  4. Location: United States
  5. Posts: 41,447
  6. Rep Power: 467819
Originally Posted By ezmac31⏩
Not looking my age like every other oldcel does
This.

Also as others said, not wanting to be weak. Amazes me seeing guys my age that couldn't change a tire if their life depended on it.
Don't put that on me Ricky Bobby, don't you ever put that on me.
post 10000085652 03-13-2026, 07:02 AM
-
#13
  1. monster0ultra
  1. monster0ultra
  3. Join Date: Oct 2020
  4. Posts: 2,769
  5. Subscribers: 11
  6. Rep Power: 767
Y'all are full of shit.

1. Most of you don't lift.
2. The ones who do lift do it for girls. Lol @ the BS list of other reasons.

SpeakethTruth gets a exception though, I can tell he's the self improvement type who's about it.
Balding is death. If you have no hair, you have no life.
post 10000085654 03-13-2026, 07:04 AM
-
#14
  1. CocoaButterMage
  1. CocoaButterMage
  3. Join Date: Jan, 2026
  4. Location: Chicago
  5. Age: 30
  6. Height: 6'5"
  7. Weight: 270 lbs
  8. Posts: 843
  9. Rep Power: 33698
I've found that my life falls into place when I deliberate chase goals that involve challenging myself.
Lifting weights is but a microcosm of what life's all about- pushing yourself and growing with direction and intention. If I slack on probably the most immediate work:reward activity [lifting -> pump] then how can I honestly expect myself to be willing to put in the late nights and hard work for my work, relationships, family etc

I don't do it because of motivation, I do it because of discipline brah
Have fun and be yourself :-)
post 10000085676 03-13-2026, 07:28 AM
-
#15
  1. MetroBrah
  1. MetroBrah
  3. Join Date: Mar 2010
  4. Posts: 60,349
  5. Subscribers: 3
  6. Rep Power: 490629
I want to be like George Hackenshmidt srs. Not some broken down oldcel that can barely move

post 10000085682 03-13-2026, 07:34 AM
-
#16
  1. DrewDarden
  1. DrewDarden
  3. Join Date: Nov 2016
  4. Posts: 23,014
  5. Subscribers: 5
  6. Rep Power: 508008
Originally Posted By monster0ultra⏩
Y'all are full of shit.

1. Most of you don't lift.
2. The ones who do lift do it for girls. Lol @ the BS list of other reasons.
If that’s why you lift, just say that. But don’t pretend to understand everyone else’s motivations, especially when you so clearly don’t understand them. 💪🏼💪🏼
Misc Lifting Crew (Team Lead)
post 10000085689 03-13-2026, 07:37 AM
-
#17
  1. Silence3
  1. Silence3
  3. Join Date: Feb, 2026
  4. Posts: 1,626
  5. Subscribers: 2
  6. Rep Power: 14605
Post deleted by user
post 10000085690 03-13-2026, 07:39 AM
-
#18
  1. ScrillaIsBake
  2. Don't forget to hit that subscribe button!
  1. ScrillaIsBake
  2. Don't forget to hit that subscribe button!
  3. Join Date: Aug 2020
  4. Location: Worst Case Ontario
  5. Height: 6'2"
  6. Weight: 192 lbs
  7. Posts: 2,024
  8. Subscribers: 7
  9. Rep Power: 120598
I can't imagine life at this point without lifting srs. The post workout endorphins alone keep me going
post 10000085703 03-13-2026, 07:55 AM
-
#19
  1. radrd
  1. radrd
  3. Join Date: Apr 2018
  4. Posts: 13,519
  5. Rep Power: 145829
Training and keeping my diet in check make me feel good about myself. That's pretty much it.
post 10000085706 03-13-2026, 08:01 AM
-
#20
  1. Procta
  1. Procta
  3. Join Date: Feb 2006
  4. Location: Jacksonville, Florida, United States
  5. Posts: 132,690
  6. Subscribers: 8
  7. Rep Power: 1749541
"If one man can hold you down, two can r@pe you"
Subscribe for extra premium content (no noodz sorry guys)
post 10000085712 03-13-2026, 08:12 AM
-
#21
  1. TheParish
  1. TheParish
  3. Join Date: Nov 2022
  4. Age: 41
  5. Height: 6'3"
  6. Weight: 220 lbs
  7. Posts: 5,025
  8. Subscribers: 6
  9. Rep Power: 74837
My crippling depression
post 10000085733 03-13-2026, 08:34 AM
-
#22
  1. WendellX
  1. WendellX
  3. Join Date: Feb, 2026
  4. Posts: 589
  5. Subscribers: 1
  6. Rep Power: 11965
Keep my Test high (naturally)

I like to look good

I have body image issues

Keep up with my children

Good for mental health
post 10000085835 03-13-2026, 10:03 AM
-
#23
  1. maori-rap
  2. Dos hand signal
  1. maori-rap
  2. Dos hand signal
  3. Join Date: Sep 2004
  4. Location: United Kingdom (Great Britain)
  5. Age: 43
  6. Posts: 27,395
  7. Subscribers: 2
  8. Rep Power: 157903
To be fairly big and strong
Be prepared
The pump and the rush
Too not be skinny and weak like I was as teenager boy
Cook the man some eggs!
post 10000085856 03-13-2026, 10:23 AM
-
#24
  1. FarmersSon
  2. Old but not ancient
  1. FarmersSon
  2. Old but not ancient
  3. Join Date: Apr 2021
  4. Posts: 5,041
  5. Rep Power: 181854
In my mid-30's I noticed I was getting a little weaker every year. To be honest, I don't really like exercising but a lot of the things I like to do are more fun if you're in decent shape.

Started lifting shortly thereafter. The first 5 or 6 years I was a lot more dedicated. Last few my consistency has varied a bunch. Between work and family I just have a lot going on sometimes and I haven't always been motivated enough to fit it in. Still, the work that I do put in is pretty obvious when you compare me to me peers.
MFC
post 10000085861 03-13-2026, 10:27 AM
-
#25
  1. notbadnotbrad
  1. notbadnotbrad
  3. Join Date: Jul 2012
  4. Posts: 39,818
  5. Subscribers: 3
  6. Rep Power: 346827
Studies on weight lifting and longevity

Superficial reasons like looking better for women
post 10000085913 03-13-2026, 11:12 AM
-
#26
  1. AceCorona
  2. The Crown of Chaos
  1. AceCorona
  2. The Crown of Chaos
  3. Join Date: Feb, 2026
  4. Location: California
  5. Height: 6'0"
  6. Posts: 493
  7. Subscribers: 1
  8. Rep Power: 4642
Originally Posted By FarmersSon⏩
In my mid-30's I noticed I was getting a little weaker every year. To be honest, I don't really like exercising but a lot of the things I like to do are more fun if you're in decent shape.

Started lifting shortly thereafter. The first 5 or 6 years I was a lot more dedicated. Last few my consistency has varied a bunch. Between work and family I just have a lot going on sometimes and I haven't always been motivated enough to fit it in. Still, the work that I do put in is pretty obvious when you compare me to me peers.
I live on two acres of land and don’t work or go to school, so I’ve got nothing better to do than exercise. If I ever have to move away from where I currently live and I’m still out of shape, it would’ve been a complete waste of time and resources to live here.

I’ve got a dirt road next to the property where I live, and I can walk a quarter mile in 5 minutes, so I just walk back and forth for 30 minutes daily, unless it’s raining.

I’ve got a fifty pound fixed dumbbell, 2 forty pound dumbbells, and 2 thirty-five pounders, so I’ve got the right equipment to train my muscles.
If you’re born to the iron, you’ll know it the first time you lift!
post 10000085924 03-13-2026, 11:21 AM
-
#27
  1. AnabolicMind
  2. -[[[- EZ-PZ -]]]-
  1. AnabolicMind
  2. -[[[- EZ-PZ -]]]-
  3. Join Date: Jan, 2026
  4. Posts: 911
  5. Subscribers: 1
  6. Rep Power: 26041
Been training and powerlifting since 1978 w/ out ever missing a week (except in 1989 when I went on my honeymoon for 2 weeks).
I love training.. Period..
~
Demturd Commies Shall Rot in Piss
post 10000085930 03-13-2026, 11:27 AM
-
#28
  1. GaryRidgway
  1. GaryRidgway
  3. Join Date: Apr 2013
  4. Posts: 46,737
  5. Subscribers: 11
  6. Rep Power: 331880
Being stronger than moster0ultra
post 10000086248 03-13-2026, 04:30 PM
-
#29
  1. Legz422
  1. Legz422
  3. Join Date: Sep 2017
  4. Age: 57
  5. Posts: 45,713
  6. Subscribers: 2
  7. Rep Power: 625880
Originally Posted By BolognaNbeans⏩
I don't want to be a fat weak old turd
Originally Posted By ezmac31⏩
Not looking my age like every other oldcel does
Originally Posted By nothingshocking⏩
Don't want the diabetes
Like to be strong
Can't manage stress without lifting
Enjoy constantly improving
I want to be fit and strong into old age so I don't sit on the couch all day when I'm 70
Originally Posted By MetroBrah⏩
I want to be like George Hackenshmidt srs. Not some broken down oldcel that can barely move


Originally Posted By radrd⏩
Training and keeping my diet in check make me feel good about myself. That's pretty much it.
Originally Posted By ScrillaIsBake⏩
I can't imagine life at this point without lifting srs. The post workout endorphins alone keep me going
All of these. Well, I don't want to look like that George guy obvi. lol
~ In a world where you can be anything, be kind ~
post 10000086263 03-13-2026, 04:45 PM
-
#30
  1. AceCorona
  2. The Crown of Chaos
  1. AceCorona
  2. The Crown of Chaos
  3. Join Date: Feb, 2026
  4. Location: California
  5. Height: 6'0"
  6. Posts: 493
  7. Subscribers: 1
  8. Rep Power: 4642
To be the dominant alpha male of the people I know
If you’re born to the iron, you’ll know it the first time you lift!
  1. Page 1 of 2
  2. 1
  3. 2
  5. Last
Quick Navigation Top Misc
Bookmarks
Digg.com
Digg
del.icio.us
del.icio.us
Stumbleupon.com
StumbleUpon
Google.com
Google
Facebook.com
Facebook
Posting Permissions
  1. You may not post new threads
  2. You may not post replies
  3. You may not post attachments
  4. You may not edit your posts