Yes, it allowed me self confidence after a time when I was down and had fallen from the college athlete I once was. That down time humbled me which I never forget as I continue to get bigger and stronger. fast forward to today...I have realized through conversations that guys at the gym that I don't know look up to me. Not only because the weight I am now pushing with ease but the kindness I share with others in the gym. My appearance is one that could be stereotyped as en ex-con or tattooed asshole but I attempt to break that stereo type through help and kindness in the gym and in life. Has lifting weights and getting bigger and stronger made me a different person? yes, and I am happy with whom it helped me become.
I was on the opposite spectrum (started fat / “big”) lost a bunch of weight, got cut up (thanks Toni69) and it definitely affected me positively. I had more self confidence, but more than that I was free to live life and do things I could never do before (being able to do pull ups...seriously, something as trivial as that).
Just having that ability to wake up and “feel good” made me happier than how I looked. So, I guess, in the end my health had a greater effect on me than my appearance. (After typing this I do realize that the two typically go hand in hand lol)
"Real leaders are ordinary people with extraordinary determination."- Anonymous
Fraternal order of the Animal --The Enforcer The Crew™
Saraigh
I first started lifting in HS for football, probably the same as most of us - and really enjoyed being in the weight room, but I was never particularly big or strong, and was terrible at football itself. I dabbled with lifting here and there in spurts in my late teens and early 20s, but really didn’t know shit about shit, so didn’t have the greatest progress or ever really stick with it.
Then I hit 30, and felt like shit all the time, so I joined a gym. At first I wanted to get a little stronger and then lean out and lose some weight, but turns out I still REALLY liked lifting heavy shit...so I focused on that. I think the person I already was has helped me get to where I am, rather than the opposite.
I will say, though...I like to use this shit as an example to my kids. I have a young son who LOVES the medals I bring back from meets - they’re worthless to me, but he loves to wear them around all over. I want to use my meager accomplishments in the sport to teach my kids that in order to accomplish anything in life, you have to make yourself do shit that you don’t wanna do, when you don’t feel like doing it!
Even right now...I work 12-10 today, so got up early to eat and lift before work - I would much rather have slept in tho!
I will say, though...I like to use this shit as an example to my kids. I have a young son who LOVES the medals I bring back from meets - they’re worthless to me, but he loves to wear them around all over.!
This is what it's all about if you have a family. Well done, dad.
"Real leaders are ordinary people with extraordinary determination."- Anonymous
Fraternal order of the Animal --The Enforcer The Crew™
Saraigh
it has helped me a good bit and therapy it is! I too was in real bad shape. started at 472lbs! I have come a long way to a lean 265lbs today. I sometimes ask myself why I keep doing this and my answer is always the same..... BECAUSE I CAN!
it has helped me a good bit and therapy it is! I too was in real bad shape. started at 472lbs! I have come a long way to a lean 265lbs today. I sometimes ask myself why I keep doing this and my answer is always the same..... BECAUSE I CAN!