As a diversion from the usual preaching of functional training or dissing of guys who can't perform even one chin-up, I thought this segment would be a good chance to reflect on certain issues regarding strength training, and the driving force that causes us to strive for physical perfection.
We all want to look good, and those who deny it are probably lying to themselves. We all try to rationalize that it's good for our health, athleticism, and improves our confidence. Regardless of these wonderful perks, nothing truly drives a person to train hard like the image of a perfect beach body with washboard abs that could attract any women (or men) within a 100 mile radius.
I have to admit that some people do train for more "noble" reasons. For instance, dads who want to keep up with their kids, obese men who want to have a healthier lifestyle, or even the average joe who wants to be stronger and faster. Whatever the reason, these are the drivers that forces us to spend considerable time hitting the weights, running the treadmill, or even going for those funky dance sport classes with the extremely vocal gay instructor. (No offense to them, in fact I admit they do a really good job at working the crowd!)
The efficacy of these drivers, on the other hand, are definitely questionable to an extent. For instance, it is now a popular trend for Malaysians to join the local Fitness First or California Fitness in an endeavour to seek the elusive washboard abs. Nonetheless, many poor souls lack the drive to train consistently and end up deluding themselves; thinking that running on the treadmill for a few minutes and working up a "sweat" at the pec-deck machine would miraculously lead to the path of happiness.
Personally, going to the gym and training requires a lot of motivation and at least a tangible purpose. I don't think that working out just to "get fit and lose weight" is a truly purposeful goal by any shape or form. In fact, training just for bigger biceps isn't that great a purpose nor motivator either. In the end, these reasons would just fall short. As with everything else in life, goals should be more realistic and tangible, something that would truly strike a chord with yourself. Sometimes you just have to think hard about what matters to you, for these things would be the impetus that perpetually drives you forward.
We all want to look good, and those who deny it are probably lying to themselves. We all try to rationalize that it's good for our health, athleticism, and improves our confidence. Regardless of these wonderful perks, nothing truly drives a person to train hard like the image of a perfect beach body with washboard abs that could attract any women (or men) within a 100 mile radius.
I have to admit that some people do train for more "noble" reasons. For instance, dads who want to keep up with their kids, obese men who want to have a healthier lifestyle, or even the average joe who wants to be stronger and faster. Whatever the reason, these are the drivers that forces us to spend considerable time hitting the weights, running the treadmill, or even going for those funky dance sport classes with the extremely vocal gay instructor. (No offense to them, in fact I admit they do a really good job at working the crowd!)
The efficacy of these drivers, on the other hand, are definitely questionable to an extent. For instance, it is now a popular trend for Malaysians to join the local Fitness First or California Fitness in an endeavour to seek the elusive washboard abs. Nonetheless, many poor souls lack the drive to train consistently and end up deluding themselves; thinking that running on the treadmill for a few minutes and working up a "sweat" at the pec-deck machine would miraculously lead to the path of happiness.
Personally, going to the gym and training requires a lot of motivation and at least a tangible purpose. I don't think that working out just to "get fit and lose weight" is a truly purposeful goal by any shape or form. In fact, training just for bigger biceps isn't that great a purpose nor motivator either. In the end, these reasons would just fall short. As with everything else in life, goals should be more realistic and tangible, something that would truly strike a chord with yourself. Sometimes you just have to think hard about what matters to you, for these things would be the impetus that perpetually drives you forward.
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