Too Much of an Obsession?

Training Bodybuilding
21

[quote]countingbeans wrote:
I am old as shit, so this is a bit different for me.

I go out rarely, so when I do (outside of tax season) I have a ton of shit to talk about other than lifting and work. We all have kids and houses, pets and bills, careers and balls & chains man… Shit weight lifting is that last thing we talk about.

But I deffo think about it constantly.

Am I obsessed? Maybe. But it stops me from obsessing about the self destructive bullshit I have in the past.

So in short. In your mind it is perfectly fine to feel and think the way you do. Just have a filter and understand who you are talking to when you speak.[/quote]

Same boat to Beans. We should be about the same age too.

My personality tends to be more introverted, I think a lot, which contributed to analysis paralysis in more than one area in my life. When I find something I like it tends to be an unhealthy obsession (gaming, vices etc). More Beans similarities here too maybe?

I tend to keep much of my lifting talk online, I talk to my wife and sometimes family or close friends about what I do, but not specifics. I really find it easier just to talk in broad strokes and leave the deeper level stuff for whatever I do here and other places online (in local forums in my area). We have a smaller lifting community here, most of the other guys I talk about this too train at other gyms, we actually got to catch up the first time at a national BB championship held last weekend. What seems common for some of your guys (talking shop etc) is rarity for us person to person.

I certainly need an outlet to talk about what I enjoy, why I diet, why I measure my food, cost of supplements, training the way I do etc. This doesn’t make sense to anyone else but me sometimes…until I come here to talk about it.

BUT, there are other facets to my life, big facets, my family, my career, my goals. I want to do all of them exceptionally well as well. I think it’s possible to have it all, to be accomplished in career, family, home life, lifting, physique etc.

You don’t need to feel obsessed if every facet of your life which is important to you is in balance.

22

While I certainly see nothing wrong with being excited about learning new approaches and methods that may pertain to and improve your own results, I’ve realized over the years that most people don’t ever plan to step foot into a gym, and couldn’t care less about bodybuilding related topics. Women, especially (in my experience) can get turned off right away if that’s what you talk about when you first meet them.

These days, despite the fact that my girlfriend’s family and friends all know that I ‘do contests’ or something, I will never bring it up, even a few days out from a show, nor will I engage in ridiculous discussions when a person recently read some media BS and apparently wants to push my buttons. If someone asks if I train, even though it’s fairly obvious they already know the answer, I respond with “I try to keep in shape” and then change the topic.

The only time I talk gym-related stuff, is at the gym, or when I’m hanging around with fellow competitors and no one else. Still, it is a common for newer trainers to get all ‘caught up’. My girl is contemplating doing her first show in June, and lately, it’s all she talks about -lol.

Just remember that the majority of your life has nothing to do with bodybuilding. Sure you must adhere to the consistency of diet and training, but keep things in their proper perspective.

S

23

You’re only too obsessed if YOU feel that way. If YOU feel that it is starting to negatively effect other aspects which you enjoy, that is the only sign you need. Everyone can tell you balance this and balance that, but at the end of the day if you enjoy working out/staying in and prepping your meals over going out then no one can or should tell you otherwise.

24

[quote]The Mighty Stu wrote:
While I certainly see nothing wrong with being excited about learning new approaches and methods that may pertain to and improve your own results, I’ve realized over the years that most people don’t ever plan to step foot into a gym, and couldn’t care less about bodybuilding related topics. Women, especially (in my experience) can get turned off right away if that’s what you talk about when you first meet them.

These days, despite the fact that my girlfriend’s family and friends all know that I ‘do contests’ or something, I will never bring it up, even a few days out from a show, nor will I engage in ridiculous discussions when a person recently read some media BS and apparently wants to push my buttons. If someone asks if I train, even though it’s fairly obvious they already know the answer, I respond with “I try to keep in shape” and then change the topic.

The only time I talk gym-related stuff, is at the gym, or when I’m hanging around with fellow competitors and no one else. Still, it is a common for newer trainers to get all ‘caught up’. My girl is contemplating doing her first show in June, and lately, it’s all she talks about -lol.

Just remember that the majority of your life has nothing to do with bodybuilding. Sure you must adhere to the consistency of diet and training, but keep things in their proper perspective.

S[/quote]

My problem is people bringing it up to me in situations where I don’t want to discuss it. I would LOVE to avoid discussion of what I am drinking and what I am eating…but they won’t allow it.

25

dont worry op if youre new to this its like anything new that youve just started itll fade a bit in time . imo you have to be a bit obsessed to some small degree to keep going through the physical and mental strain of training diet and food prep etc .

as for the discusions about food and dieting that does get hard sometimes and its not unusual to feel obsessed or strange when your hiding what youre eating or preparing just to avoid the quesions and comments .

26

My mother reckons I have some sort of mental illness because I get so obsessive/one-track minded, bodybuilding is just one thing to add to the list lol

IMO, you’ll never make a great (competitive) bodybuilder if you don’t have an obsessive nature. Having said that though, competing is something pretty far off for me right now, still progress to make and life to live :slight_smile:

If it weren’t for my other obsessions in life (mainly engineering based), and a wife/close friends who drag me out of a phase (kicking and screaming), I would probably be a very secluded and sad person

27

[quote]HolyMacaroni wrote:
OP sounds lame and boring. i hang out with people who are much, much bigger than you and outside of the hour we are in the gym we have much more exciting things to talk about then what g’damn rep/set range we use.

GAL, plz.[/quote]

People don’t hang out with Holymac.

28

[quote]illgixxer wrote:
analyzing all the dudes you see is pretty gay[/quote]

You sound pretty insecure.

29

[quote]Professor X wrote:

[quote]The Mighty Stu wrote:
While I certainly see nothing wrong with being excited about learning new approaches and methods that may pertain to and improve your own results, I’ve realized over the years that most people don’t ever plan to step foot into a gym, and couldn’t care less about bodybuilding related topics. Women, especially (in my experience) can get turned off right away if that’s what you talk about when you first meet them.

These days, despite the fact that my girlfriend’s family and friends all know that I ‘do contests’ or something, I will never bring it up, even a few days out from a show, nor will I engage in ridiculous discussions when a person recently read some media BS and apparently wants to push my buttons. If someone asks if I train, even though it’s fairly obvious they already know the answer, I respond with “I try to keep in shape” and then change the topic.

The only time I talk gym-related stuff, is at the gym, or when I’m hanging around with fellow competitors and no one else. Still, it is a common for newer trainers to get all ‘caught up’. My girl is contemplating doing her first show in June, and lately, it’s all she talks about -lol.

Just remember that the majority of your life has nothing to do with bodybuilding. Sure you must adhere to the consistency of diet and training, but keep things in their proper perspective.

S[/quote]

My problem is people bringing it up to me in situations where I don’t want to discuss it. I would LOVE to avoid discussion of what I am drinking and what I am eating…but they won’t allow it.

[/quote]

Like people asking “why do you go to the gym at 5am” with a look on their face like you’re a moron for doing so. Or stupid comments such as “that shake looks gross”. Just stupid ass questions and comments.

Anyways, I tend to get a little obsessed over my training, but my obsession comes when I have a bad workout, or even one that isn’t perfect. When I don’t have a PERFECT workout (or at least what I consider to be an awesome workout), my anxiety kicks in until I can do that workout over again, but better.

30

[quote]illgixxer wrote:
analyzing all the dudes you see is pretty gay[/quote]

Funny, I always thought sticking your willy up a dudes pooper was gay

31

[quote]howie424 wrote:

[quote]Professor X wrote:

[quote]The Mighty Stu wrote:
While I certainly see nothing wrong with being excited about learning new approaches and methods that may pertain to and improve your own results, I’ve realized over the years that most people don’t ever plan to step foot into a gym, and couldn’t care less about bodybuilding related topics. Women, especially (in my experience) can get turned off right away if that’s what you talk about when you first meet them.

These days, despite the fact that my girlfriend’s family and friends all know that I ‘do contests’ or something, I will never bring it up, even a few days out from a show, nor will I engage in ridiculous discussions when a person recently read some media BS and apparently wants to push my buttons. If someone asks if I train, even though it’s fairly obvious they already know the answer, I respond with “I try to keep in shape” and then change the topic.

The only time I talk gym-related stuff, is at the gym, or when I’m hanging around with fellow competitors and no one else. Still, it is a common for newer trainers to get all ‘caught up’. My girl is contemplating doing her first show in June, and lately, it’s all she talks about -lol.

Just remember that the majority of your life has nothing to do with bodybuilding. Sure you must adhere to the consistency of diet and training, but keep things in their proper perspective.

S[/quote]

My problem is people bringing it up to me in situations where I don’t want to discuss it. I would LOVE to avoid discussion of what I am drinking and what I am eating…but they won’t allow it.

[/quote]

Like people asking “why do you go to the gym at 5am” with a look on their face like you’re a moron for doing so. Or stupid comments such as “that shake looks gross”. Just stupid ass questions and comments.

Anyways, I tend to get a little obsessed over my training, but my obsession comes when I have a bad workout, or even one that isn’t perfect. When I don’t have a PERFECT workout (or at least what I consider to be an awesome workout), my anxiety kicks in until I can do that workout over again, but better.
[/quote]

Of course I’m obsessed. Who the fuck gains over 100-150lbs in the gym without being that way?

Why would I want to be like the people who aren’t?

32

When I first started working out I was pretty anxious for my next workout thinking about it etc all day. But then again that happens with anything new that you like alot.

Nowadays Im pretty chill about and don’t think about until I have to go the gym. I only get anxious sometimes still is when I have leg day. But then again who doesn’t get anxious on leg day :stuck_out_tongue:

33

I think we’re using the word ‘obsession’ here with a negative connotation to it. It’s like when someone who can’t quite smoking argues how you’re “addicted” to working out… uh,… sure, compare something proven to kill you with something proven to provide positive benefits. If that’s the choice, then I can live with the decision I choose to make each day, and not feel bad about being “obsessed.”

S

34

I think the initial obsession is a good sign… that you might carry through with this hobby in the long term…

Just don’t alienate your friends… they don’t care… trust me.

35

I think we are all obsessed with it. Anyone who is going to make serious progress needs serious dedication. Although I agree with the poster who mentioned that your actions means more than your words.

36

anybody else rather pass up a night out with friends to get in a scheduled workout? i dont consider that obsessed, i see it more as a dedication. i look forward to my workout all day, why would i miss a tuesday night workout (weekends are different story) in order to observe which of your dude, bud, stud friends can get drunk the fastest.

37

[quote]wannabebig25 wrote:
anybody else rather pass up a night out with friends to get in a scheduled workout? i dont consider that obsessed, i see it more as a dedication. i look forward to my workout all day, why would i miss a tuesday night workout (weekends are different story) in order to observe which of your dude, bud, stud friends can get drunk the fastest.[/quote]
I agree with this, most of the time during the week…my guy friends just wanna chill and get drunk.

Unless i haven’t seen them in awhile, or it’s a special occasion i’m not gonna go out and find a reason to get wasted during the weekdays.

38

[quote]The Mighty Stu wrote:
While I certainly see nothing wrong with being excited about learning new approaches and methods that may pertain to and improve your own results, I’ve realized over the years that most people don’t ever plan to step foot into a gym, and couldn’t care less about bodybuilding related topics. Women, especially (in my experience) can get turned off right away if that’s what you talk about when you first meet them.

These days, despite the fact that my girlfriend’s family and friends all know that I ‘do contests’ or something, I will never bring it up, even a few days out from a show, nor will I engage in ridiculous discussions when a person recently read some media BS and apparently wants to push my buttons. If someone asks if I train, even though it’s fairly obvious they already know the answer, I respond with “I try to keep in shape” and then change the topic.

The only time I talk gym-related stuff, is at the gym, or when I’m hanging around with fellow competitors and no one else. Still, it is a common for newer trainers to get all ‘caught up’. My girl is contemplating doing her first show in June, and lately, it’s all she talks about -lol.

Just remember that the majority of your life has nothing to do with bodybuilding. Sure you must adhere to the consistency of diet and training, but keep things in their proper perspective.

S[/quote]

Very good to understand your approach to this issue Stu. I like the “i like to keep in shape” response and I’m certain to use it in the future.

39

[quote]XanderBuilt wrote:

[quote]The Mighty Stu wrote:
While I certainly see nothing wrong with being excited about learning new approaches and methods that may pertain to and improve your own results, I’ve realized over the years that most people don’t ever plan to step foot into a gym, and couldn’t care less about bodybuilding related topics. Women, especially (in my experience) can get turned off right away if that’s what you talk about when you first meet them.

These days, despite the fact that my girlfriend’s family and friends all know that I ‘do contests’ or something, I will never bring it up, even a few days out from a show, nor will I engage in ridiculous discussions when a person recently read some media BS and apparently wants to push my buttons. If someone asks if I train, even though it’s fairly obvious they already know the answer, I respond with “I try to keep in shape” and then change the topic.

The only time I talk gym-related stuff, is at the gym, or when I’m hanging around with fellow competitors and no one else. Still, it is a common for newer trainers to get all ‘caught up’. My girl is contemplating doing her first show in June, and lately, it’s all she talks about -lol.

Just remember that the majority of your life has nothing to do with bodybuilding. Sure you must adhere to the consistency of diet and training, but keep things in their proper perspective.

S[/quote]

Very good to understand your approach to this issue Stu. I like the “i like to keep in shape” response and I’m certain to use it in the future.[/quote]

Yeah, well, the bigger you get, the more that may just sound really sarcastic.

40

[quote]The Mighty Stu wrote:
My girl is contemplating doing her first show in June, and lately, it’s all she talks about -lol.

S[/quote]

Off-topic, but what show is she considering? Same one as you?