[Swell]

delete

[scotian]

Sounds like you need to get on the TRT brah!

[zatara]

Mike Tyson was also a complete genetic freak. He was 220lbs of muscle with low bodyfat at 18 years old, at 5ft 10 tall. Unless you're in the top .0001% of the population for natural muscle mass you're not going to look like him without seriously lifting weights for years, as well as doing a couple of steroid cycles. Telling people to copy his training regime so that they can look like him is akin to telling someone to do yoga stretches every day to get tall enough to play in the NBA. Its not going to hurt, and will result in tiny gains, but its not going to fulfill their dreams either.

OP if you can stick with a good weight training program for 12 weeks you'll become addicted. Once you reach that point you'll start to see changes in the mirror. You'll start to get complements from people who know you. And you'll start to feel a lot more energetic and full of testosterone. Once all of this positive reinforcement happens you'll become hooked.

To get motivation before then I'd recommend booking a beach holiday in the medium term - say in 3-5 months time - to provide motivation. And pre-workout powder 20min before working out will help too.

[rhodey]

(01-10-2017 12:09 AM)PoetryOfEros Wrote:  

I've spent a few days for the last two weeks trying to do my dumbells to build some basic strength and don't enjoy it at all. What's wrong with this? I'm not complaining but I don't understand why I don't enjoy it. I feel like I'm wasting time while I'm lifting and also feel like it's a stupid thing to do. I guess these are blocking my progress to pursue weights.

I have set out to do three lifting workouts a week with my dumbells. The first week was fine, second week I did one day and my arms were too sore to continue for the following days so I just didn't do them. This week I'm coming up with the above excuses but they seem rational to me.

Am I just talking myself out through resistance or am I being fair with myself? Anyone experienced this when starting out before? How do I get over it besides the obvious 'just do it' mentality? At this point I don't feel like I'm achieving much and also finding it to be a chore rather. Is this the 'instant gratification' creeping in too?

[zphyer7]

(01-12-2017 04:05 AM)PoetryOfEros Wrote:  

Quote:

My hunch is that your testosterone is low.

My doctor says I'm fine.

That's an incredibly vague statement. Did your doctor actually show you your total and free Testosterone levels, or did he just make that statement with no other explanation. My guess is you could have the testosterone levels of an 80 year old geriatric man and your doctor would still say "you're fine".

Doctors on average are incredibly ignorant when it comes to Male Hormone Therapy. The reference testosterone level range they go off of is way too large and doesn't take into account a man's age. Get some real bloodwork done and fine out what your total test, free test, estrogen, and DHT levels are for your own sake.

[Delta]

(01-10-2017 12:09 AM)PoetryOfEros Wrote:  

I've spent a few days for the last two weeks trying to do my dumbells to build some basic strength and don't enjoy it at all. What's wrong with this? I'm not complaining but I don't understand why I don't enjoy it. I feel like I'm wasting time while I'm lifting and also feel like it's a stupid thing to do. I guess these are blocking my progress to pursue weights.

I have set out to do three lifting workouts a week with my dumbells. The first week was fine, second week I did one day and my arms were too sore to continue for the following days so I just didn't do them. This week I'm coming up with the above excuses but they seem rational to me.

Am I just talking myself out through resistance or am I being fair with myself? Anyone experienced this when starting out before? How do I get over it besides the obvious 'just do it' mentality? At this point I don't feel like I'm achieving much and also finding it to be a chore rather. Is this the 'instant gratification' creeping in too?

Few things you can do benefit your life in more facets than lifting weights. Lifting improves your:

-health
-attractiveness to women
-respectability to men
-testosterone
-confidence/self-esteem
-athletic performance
-ability to perform practical tasks (e.g. moving furniture)

I didn't enjoy it at first either (I doubt many people do). It's painful, exhausting, and takes time. But now that I'm used to it, I can't imagine not doing it. If I'm not at least a little fatigued or sore from a previous workout, I don't feel right. You'll get there too, once you start seeing results.

It's ridiculous to me that you would even think for a second that lifting weights is a "stupid thing to do." I know it's associated with "meatheads" and not a popular activity among self-fancied "intellectuals," but I question the supposed intellect of someone who can't use it to improve his life. People who believe they're above physical exercise because it's not an intellectual activity aren't really that intelligent; they just happen to enjoy mental masturbation more than most.

[PoetryOfEros]

(01-13-2017 11:58 PM)zphyer7 Wrote:  

(01-12-2017 04:05 AM)PoetryOfEros Wrote:  

Quote:

My hunch is that your testosterone is low.

My doctor says I'm fine.

That's an incredibly vague statement. Did your doctor actually show you your total and free Testosterone levels, or did he just make that statement with no other explanation. My guess is you could have the testosterone levels of an 80 year old geriatric man and your doctor would still say "you're fine".

Doctors on average are incredibly ignorant when it comes to Male Hormone Therapy. The reference testosterone level range they go off of is way too large and doesn't take into account a man's age. Get some real bloodwork done and fine out what your total test, free test, estrogen, and DHT levels are for your own sake.

It's a non-problem. My levels are fine. It has never been brought into question. If you are going to diagnose my testosterone levels from an internet forum on a post about why I am 'unmotivated' then you have deep insecurity issues.

Quote:

I didn't enjoy it at first either (I doubt many people do). It's painful, exhausting, and takes time. But now that I'm used to it, I can't imagine not doing it. If I'm not at least a little fatigued or sore from a previous workout, I don't feel right. You'll get there too, once you start seeing results.

That's very honest of you, thanks for being genuine. I think I just have resistance from 'habit gravity' and need to just stick at the lifting for a while.

[Hannibal]

In your case, I think the problem is that you're trying to work out at home. I used to have this problem.

I also used to have the problem that, if I didn't do something every day, I wouldn't stick to it.

Get a gym membership and force yourself to drive there every day at the same time.

Just focus on one lift. I recommend doing something like push, pull, legs. It's simple. As time goes on, you can probably do one heavy push exercise and a bunch of lighter ones (once you start to enjoy being there).

It doesn't even have to be a big badass workout. If you want to go to the gym and do leg press for twenty minutes, fine. If you decide to do machine bench on your push day, the weightlifting gods aren't going to strike you down with lightening.

Once you start getting results and you make it a habit to go and improve, I think you'll be a lot more motivated.

List of push exercises
bench press
overhead press
dips
pushups
anything push related on a machine

List of pull exercises
pullups
rows (barbell, dumbbell, doesn't matter)
curls
deadlift
anything pull related on a machine

List of leg exercises
Squats
Leg press
any machine that hits legs

[PoetryOfEros]

(01-14-2017 03:41 AM)Hannibal Wrote:  

In your case, I think the problem is that you're trying to work out at home. I used to have this problem.

I also used to have the problem that, if I didn't do something every day, I wouldn't stick to it.

Get a gym membership and force yourself to drive there every day at the same time.

Just focus on one lift. I recommend doing something like push, pull, legs. It's simple. As time goes on, you can probably do one heavy push exercise and a bunch of lighter ones (once you start to enjoy being there).

It doesn't even have to be a big badass workout. If you want to go to the gym and do leg press for twenty minutes, fine. If you decide to do machine bench on your push day, the weightlifting gods aren't going to strike you down with lightening.

Once you start getting results and you make it a habit to go and improve, I think you'll be a lot more motivated.

List of push exercises
bench press
overhead press
dips
pushups
anything push related on a machine

List of pull exercises
pullups
rows (barbell, dumbbell, doesn't matter)
curls
deadlift
anything pull related on a machine

List of leg exercises
Squats
Leg press
any machine that hits legs

Thanks for the actionable advice. Gym membership sounds like a must after reading all these posts.

[youngblazer]

Also, don't be afraid to pay for a trainer initially to learn some basics. It might seem expensive but once you see this as an investment in your well-being, it is really nothing.

[SegaSaturn1994]

If you want to have a decent body, you can get it with bodyweight exercises, martial arts, dancing and what not.

If you want to have a muscular body with obvious weaknesses then do powerlifting type training concentrating on a couple major lifts.

If you want an awesome body, then do bodybuilding. This will almost always include compound lifts but contrary to popular myth the compounds do not have to be squats, deadlifts or benches. What matters is working the muscle and getting stronger in exercises that do not wreck your joints and especially your spine. If you jump too eagerly at deadlifts and squats and body english lifts you might wreck your back your life for almost zero gain that you could not have got by developing in safer lifts.

[gmoneysauce]

When you enjoy an activity, or more accurately, when you have a deep positive association with it, then motivation is less necessary. Creating a deep positive association has a lasting effect that goes way beyond a temporary youtube motivational video.

As an example, the first time, in my teens, I banged a hot chick, she made me a sandwich. Since then, after I bang a chick, I always crave a snack. Just the other night, i wasn't even hungry but after banging this girl with a smokin bod, I went to the 7-11 and got a pint of ice cream and a couple of swiss cake rolls. This deep neuro-association is impossible for me to shake. I just have to work off the calories the next day.

Similarly, in my teens I got into power lifting and simultaneously got into the first relationship with a girl that had a strong sex drive and where I had good logistics. I had been an athlete but not really a weight lifter. I simultaneously was having tons of sex with a girl and lifting at least once a day, sometimes twice a day (I was probably over-training). I also had three or four guys that were really cool that I lifted with so this was also a social activity for me.

This period created a deep positive association with lifting and sex has made working out much easier over the years. Although it has somewhat waned recently.

I think that many people on the forum have a neuro-association with lifting and positive outcomes with chicks. Just ask Linux.

Once you have this type of association, lifting might be tough, but you will feel a direct connection with the discomfort of lifting and the positive outcomes with girls.

Now, most people that lift for decades seem to just develop a positive addiction to the activity itself.

my .02

G

[PoetryOfEros]

Quote:

If you want to have a decent body, you can get it with bodyweight exercises, martial arts, dancing and what not.

This is perfect for me. I was a JuJitsu and Aikido exponent as a teenager and I loved it. I'm currently doing some searching for a club to learn some martial arts once a week to give myself a goal and some advice. This is something I know I will benefit from. Doing this will supplement my exercise goals.

Quote:

When you enjoy an activity, or more accurately, when you have a deep positive association with it, then motivation is less necessary. Creating a deep positive association has a lasting effect that goes way beyond a temporary youtube motivational video.

This is the reason for my inquiry in the thread. I simply don't feel like lifting is in the least bit enjoyable, even with music.

Quote:

I think that many people on the forum have a neuro-association with lifting and positive outcomes with chicks. Just ask Linux.

Once you have this type of association, lifting might be tough, but you will feel a direct connection with the discomfort of lifting and the positive outcomes with girls.

Now, most people that lift for decades seem to just develop a positive addiction to the activity itself.

Guessing it's more popular among those already getting 'gains', for a total beginner it's not much of a significant boost. I literally have noticed no major changes in my game over the last three weeks.

[BelyyTigr]

(01-12-2017 06:36 AM)Swell Wrote:  

(01-11-2017 09:38 AM)BelyyTigr Wrote:  

Mike Tyson was about the most devastating heavyweight puncher ever. Guess what? HE DIDN'T DO WEIGHTS!!!

Really?

Quick google search and..

Quote:

Daily Regimen (7 days a week):

5 AM: Get up and go for a 3 mile jog

6 AM: Come back home, shower, and go back to bed

10 AM wake up: Eat oatmeal

12 PM: Do ring work (10 rounds of sparring)

2 PM: Have another meal (steak and pasta with fruit juice)

3 PM: More ring work and 60 mins on the exercise bike

5 PM: 2000 sit-ups, 500-800 dips, 500 press-ups, 500 shrugs with a 30kg barbell, and 10 mins of neck exercises

7 PM: Steak and pasta meal with fruit juice

8 PM: Another 30 minutes on the exercise bike then watch TV and go to bed

Nice point BelyyTigr. I thought I knew more about Iron Mike. +1 rep

Thankyou. In some ways, its a seriously weird programme Iron Mike did. All that steak and upto 7 days a week training etc Worked in his early 20s with all that HGH in his system. Maybe thats one of the reasons he seemed to "burn out" early in his career?
Either way, to be he was incredible. Watching heavyweights today is like watching amateurs in comparison, for me.

[Frank Underwood]

You sound kinda insecure and down on yourself. A good exercise program helps with that a lot. It structures your life, and you see that you're improving which is a big mental boost too. Not to mention the improvements to physical health and appearance.

Read The Iron by Henry Rollins. I reread it every few months, because it's just so plainly, powerfully stated, and goes over the mental benefits to lifting: http://www.oldtimestrongman.com/strength...ry-rollins

My experience was that dumbbell workouts didn't leave me feeling as satisfied that I'd worked on myself as barbells did. But barbells are a bigger investment (gym, possibly trainer because you do not want to fuck up your back from poor form squats, deadlifts, etc.). I would definitely consider them though.

I assume you're generally able-bodied and can do the standard barbell and dumbbell lifts without an issue (maybe a trainer, but getting a trainer is obviously not a physical issue). In that case, the only thing that is preventing you from feeling great, looking in the mirror and going "shit, I'm in great shape now", having girls check out your arms and chest, etc. is a time commitment. And you gotta invest in yourself. Completely independent of game or anything, if you want to be a healthy person and have a decent life, you need to invest some time into making and keeping yourself healthy.

[gmoneysauce]

(01-16-2017 10:01 AM)Frank Underwood Wrote:  

Read The Iron by Henry Rollins. I reread it every few months, because it's just so plainly, powerfully stated, and goes over the mental benefits to lifting: http://www.oldtimestrongman.com/strength...ry-rollins

I just read that Iron essay. Thanks for that, it was really good.

[McCarthy]

OK. Newbie weightlifter here.

I just started seriously and committed today to lift weights.

I have always been a skinny/athletic guy with spaghetti arms which bothered me.
I tried to go to the gym on occasions, sometimes with friends who lifted, but dropped in the following couple of weeks.
Last year I completely stopped doing my trail running and put up 16lbs. My jeans did not close this winter.

I decided to go to a trainer/dietist and explain my situation: I wanted to transform my extra weight into muscle. He gave me a diet and a routine. And I have a follow up with him every couple of weeks.

Having paid a little bit of money and being monitored clearly motivated to do it.

I would recommend doing this. Lifting is not that simple, the diet needs to be done well, your body needs to be measured well and the exercises have to be personalised.

I hope it serves.

[zphyer7]

(01-14-2017 02:57 AM)PoetryOfEros Wrote:  

(01-13-2017 11:58 PM)zphyer7 Wrote:  

(01-12-2017 04:05 AM)PoetryOfEros Wrote:  

Quote:

My hunch is that your testosterone is low.

My doctor says I'm fine.

That's an incredibly vague statement. Did your doctor actually show you your total and free Testosterone levels, or did he just make that statement with no other explanation. My guess is you could have the testosterone levels of an 80 year old geriatric man and your doctor would still say "you're fine".

Doctors on average are incredibly ignorant when it comes to Male Hormone Therapy. The reference testosterone level range they go off of is way too large and doesn't take into account a man's age. Get some real bloodwork done and fine out what your total test, free test, estrogen, and DHT levels are for your own sake.

It's a non-problem. My levels are fine. It has never been brought into question. If you are going to diagnose my testosterone levels from an internet forum on a post about why I am 'unmotivated' then you have deep insecurity issues.

If you've seen your full blood work and know everything is in range then good. I and several other people in this thread just suggested it because low testosterone is a common occurrence for guys these days and can lead to low motivation. That plus you glossed over your results.

No reason for my post to hurt your feelings. You might want to check into your own personal insecurity issues bud.

[PoetryOfEros]

(01-22-2017 02:18 AM)zphyer7 Wrote:  

(01-14-2017 02:57 AM)PoetryOfEros Wrote:  

(01-13-2017 11:58 PM)zphyer7 Wrote:  

(01-12-2017 04:05 AM)PoetryOfEros Wrote:  

Quote:

My hunch is that your testosterone is low.

My doctor says I'm fine.

That's an incredibly vague statement. Did your doctor actually show you your total and free Testosterone levels, or did he just make that statement with no other explanation. My guess is you could have the testosterone levels of an 80 year old geriatric man and your doctor would still say "you're fine".

Doctors on average are incredibly ignorant when it comes to Male Hormone Therapy. The reference testosterone level range they go off of is way too large and doesn't take into account a man's age. Get some real bloodwork done and fine out what your total test, free test, estrogen, and DHT levels are for your own sake.

It's a non-problem. My levels are fine. It has never been brought into question. If you are going to diagnose my testosterone levels from an internet forum on a post about why I am 'unmotivated' then you have deep insecurity issues.

If you've seen your full blood work and know everything is in range then good. I and several other people in this thread just suggested it because low testosterone is a common occurrence for guys these days and can lead to low motivation. That plus you glossed over your results.

No reason for my post to hurt your feelings. You might want to check into your own personal insecurity issues bud.

Wow, you're incorrigible.

[Mig Picante]

Rome wasn't built in a day.

Gym isn't mean to be fun. In fact it should be moderately horrible but over time you become addicted.
Do a proper program for 6 weeks with progressive overload and see what you think at the end of that.

[DaKi]

(01-10-2017 12:09 AM)PoetryOfEros Wrote:  

I've spent a few days for the last two weeks trying to do my dumbells to build some basic strength and don't enjoy it at all. What's wrong with this? I'm not complaining but I don't understand why I don't enjoy it. I feel like I'm wasting time while I'm lifting and also feel like it's a stupid thing to do. I guess these are blocking my progress to pursue weights.

I have set out to do three lifting workouts a week with my dumbells. The first week was fine, second week I did one day and my arms were too sore to continue for the following days so I just didn't do them. This week I'm coming up with the above excuses but they seem rational to me.

Am I just talking myself out through resistance or am I being fair with myself? Anyone experienced this when starting out before? How do I get over it besides the obvious 'just do it' mentality? At this point I don't feel like I'm achieving much and also finding it to be a chore rather. Is this the 'instant gratification' creeping in too?

Why are you lifting weights?

Weight training in a productive manner is physically and psychologically taxing.
It has to be--you are asking your body to make "expensive" adaptations.

If you don't have a strong reason to consistently put yourself through the training--and, often, the DOMS that follows--you will fail.

[DaKi]

(01-10-2017 01:35 AM)nek Wrote:  

Muscles don't sculpt, tone, or anything like that. Muscles either: 1) Grow, 2)Shrink, or 3) Stay the same. The shape of your muscle is genetically determined. When people talk about "sculpting", this is really growing muscle and decreasing body fat. And you can't "spot reduce" body fat, just like you can't influence where fat gets deposited on your body.

And your muscles do not know whether you are using a barbell, dumbbell, Nautilus machine, cable attachment, sandbag, bodyweight, chunk of granite, etc.

[rainy]

I'm guessing anyone who doesn't find any motivation for lifting has never gotten their ass whooped before. Happened to me many times as a kid. Then I grew. Then I lifted. Then I got heavy into sports and both confidence and demeanor changed.

Now no one ever approaches me for a fight. Comes in handy when overseas and I get sized up as a foreigner walking alone.

But lifting isn't just about sexy muscles. It's a lifestyle. It's confidence. How you look is a reflection of how you live. You only get one change at first impressions. Walk in somewhere, wherever, job interview, a club, a bar, if you're fit, confident and well dressed you'll open more doors for yourself than if you are not.

Also, as to what others have said, quit working out by yourself at home with a pair of dumbbells. Join a gym. Get around testosterone. Get around beautiful women sweating their asses off. The environment will motivate. Should anyway.

[nek]

(01-26-2017 04:32 AM)DaKi Wrote:  

(01-10-2017 01:35 AM)nek Wrote:  

Muscles don't sculpt, tone, or anything like that. Muscles either: 1) Grow, 2)Shrink, or 3) Stay the same. The shape of your muscle is genetically determined. When people talk about "sculpting", this is really growing muscle and decreasing body fat. And you can't "spot reduce" body fat, just like you can't influence where fat gets deposited on your body.

And your muscles do not know whether you are using a barbell, dumbbell, Nautilus machine, cable attachment, sandbag, bodyweight, chunk of granite, etc.

"Muscle Confusion" has sold many an infomercial product, but ultimately doesn't help. Switching from barbell to dumbbell doesn't "confuse" muscle, it changes the muscles you're using.

[nek]

So OP, have you started your gym membership yet?