Too Much of an Obsession?

Training Bodybuilding
41

Life ain’t easy, and we all have challenges to face. In the gym, or wherever we test ourselves against an uncaring and inanimate object THAT WE DON"T HAVE TO MOVE, we are doing something totally of our own volition. It is the definition of self-motivation, and proof you do not just talk a lot of shit. Fuck, I am obsessed with life, I cannot help but live every day.

Lifting is a privilege, especially if you know lifting technique. I am obsessed with helping people be happier, because I believe happy people make the world a better place. I believe lifting is something that almost everyone here does because they decided to grab life by the horns and control how they live life instead of submitting to the inexorable march of time.

You are blessed by nothing and everything, so spread it around as much as you can because it can be infinite if we only tap into it.

42

I’m a 2 year lifter as well. I stopped obsessing about my workouts/programs/exercises etc after the first year. I enjoy reading about lifting, the occasional good article this website and elite put out, and some advice from people around here, but I stopped really analyzing what I do in the gym. Same goes for my diet. I eat clean literally 99% of the time, but now more out of habit than anything.

The turning point for me was something PX (IIRC) wrote about progressing on lifts being way more important than anything else. I find that if you think too much about what you do, you’ll end up with the whole “paralysis via analysis” complex. That said, I think the OP will grow out of this phase once lifting stops being a new hobby and blends into his life’s background.

43

[quote]Professor X wrote:

[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?[/quote]

Lolwut. Of course you’re obsessed. I never said you weren’t there big fella. You gotta be obsessed and have a few nuts loose in the head to do something like that, and that’s okay. In my opinion, to be great at anything, you gotta be a crazy bastard. You gotta be obsessed and passionate and innovative and you gotta make sure that you haven’t left any stone unturned.

44

[quote]rundymc wrote:
I find that if you think too much about what you do, you’ll end up with the whole “paralysis via analysis” complex. [/quote]

See that isn’t want I’m doing when I say I obsess about this shit.

I’m not perpetually worrying if Imdoinitright. I just think about it all the time in relation to the rest of my life.

Are my shoulders recovered enough to bench tonight?
Does my wife have any plans tomorrow that I have to schedule around?
I can’t wait to dominate the bar today.
Have I eaten enough to be effective?
Fuck it, I feel like shit I might just take a rest day.
Why can’t I breath when I front squat? Oh yeah the fucking bar is crushing my larynx.
God my bench sucks giant monkey balls, I need to quit being a bitch, toss my ego and start over…
One day I will give a fuck about the deadlift again.
That nagging leg injury is irritating me again. Fuck front squats.
If I do shrugs with shoulders today I’ll have to focus like a mofo tomorrow when rowing…

etc etc etc…

[quote]That said, I think the OP will grow out of this phase once lifting stops being a new hobby and blends into his life’s background.

[/quote]

That may never happen. It may not be a hobby for him. One never knows really.

Chances are you are right, but it may never blend into the background.

45

[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]

winner

46

[quote]thoughts1053 wrote:

[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?[/quote]

If she’s feeling ready, that’s her plan. If not, she’ll hold off until the Fall. She actually broke her upper arm in a snowboarding accident last Spring, so while she is indeed looking pretty cut (for a girl -lol), she’s concerned about whether her arms are undersized, or even just the same size as each other (which I completely understand).

S

47

[quote]The Mighty Stu wrote:
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[/quote]

No kidding. This reminds me of my friend’s girlfriend who gives him shit about working out. Yet she eats like shit everyday(fast food mostly) and chain smokes.

48

[quote]countingbeans wrote:

[quote]rundymc wrote:
I find that if you think too much about what you do, you’ll end up with the whole “paralysis via analysis” complex. [/quote]

See that isn’t want I’m doing when I say I obsess about this shit.

I’m not perpetually worrying if Imdoinitright. I just think about it all the time in relation to the rest of my life.

Are my shoulders recovered enough to bench tonight?
Does my wife have any plans tomorrow that I have to schedule around?
I can’t wait to dominate the bar today.
Have I eaten enough to be effective?
Fuck it, I feel like shit I might just take a rest day.
Why can’t I breath when I front squat? Oh yeah the fucking bar is crushing my larynx.
God my bench sucks giant monkey balls, I need to quit being a bitch, toss my ego and start over…
One day I will give a fuck about the deadlift again.
That nagging leg injury is irritating me again. Fuck front squats.
If I do shrugs with shoulders today I’ll have to focus like a mofo tomorrow when rowing…

etc etc etc…

[quote]That said, I think the OP will grow out of this phase once lifting stops being a new hobby and blends into his life’s background.

[/quote]

That may never happen. It may not be a hobby for him. One never knows really.

Chances are you are right, but it may never blend into the background.[/quote]

You realize most of the examples you gave weren’t really in relation to your life outside the gym :b

I get what you’re saying though, I do something similar at this point when thinking about training and diet, but only because it’s a logical progression from just getting your ass in the gym and working hard.

Good point on the hobby thing. I know a couple of guys that really ‘live the lifestyle’, in that their training takes priority over most of the other things going on in their lives. I’d call them losers, but they have the physiques to show for it and are way ahead of me despite training marginally longer.

49

[quote]rundymc wrote:
I know a couple of guys that really ‘live the lifestyle’, in that their training takes priority over most of the other things going on in their lives. I’d call them losers,
[/quote]

I don’t think I could call someone accomplishing their goals losers, assuming their goal was remotely beyond pedestrian existence.

But that is just me…

50

[quote]countingbeans wrote:

[quote]rundymc wrote:
I know a couple of guys that really ‘live the lifestyle’, in that their training takes priority over most of the other things going on in their lives. I’d call them losers,
[/quote]

I don’t think I could call someone accomplishing their goals losers, assuming their goal was remotely beyond pedestrian existence.

But that is just me…

[/quote]

I agree with Beans here.

If someone wants to make lifting weights their life style over other things in their life, who are you (rundymc) to call them a loser. If they are doing what they wanna do, being successful at it, and being happy, then why bother them.

51

[quote]howie424 wrote:

[quote]countingbeans wrote:

[quote]rundymc wrote:
I know a couple of guys that really ‘live the lifestyle’, in that their training takes priority over most of the other things going on in their lives. I’d call them losers,
[/quote]

I don’t think I could call someone accomplishing their goals losers, assuming their goal was remotely beyond pedestrian existence.

But that is just me…

[/quote]

I agree with Beans here.

If someone wants to make lifting weights their life style over other things in their life, who are you (rundymc) to call them a loser. If they are doing what they wanna do, being successful at it, and being happy, then why bother them. [/quote]

You two are right, that last sentence was very poorly worded. I respect the dedication and work those guys put in.

52

No its not too much. I sit home monday through friday and will turn down everything happening during the week just so I can eat my diet perfect. Sometimes I do abs after lifting so I can stay in the weight room longer because I love being there. I always get invited to parties thursday night but never go so im not hungover for lifting and eating the next day. Im 100% straight lol but I won’t even try to get a girlfriend because that will take time away from my getting in my required calories/prot/carbs for the day and lifting.

I bring tons of food in my backpack to college and eat it during class, stuff like full 8 ounce tenderloins. I only do things on weekends. I probably sound like a freak but its my choice and I absolutely love how its going, I dont feel obsessed it just feels natural. I have been lifting for 5 years but its been serious for like 2, and I have felt this way for about the last year. Theres other stuff I do because of lifting but I dont want to write a novel about it. Damn now that I read this I feel like a freak.

53

Nothing wrong with being obsessed as long as you are getting were you want to get.
If your being obsessed is fucking up your training cause you switch shit up too much or whatever then sort it out.
If its negatively impacting on other things in your life that you consider important than sort it out.
Like others have said, just be aware that not everyone shares your obession. Don’t talk at lengths about it to people who dont share your interest or you will drive people away from you.

54

Do guys that like to golf think constantly about hitting the green, improving their swing, getting a new driver? I don’t think what you are experiencing is obsession, but dedication. When I rent a car on a trip, I suddenly notice how many other cars are like the one I’m driving–I think noticing other lifters in public is coming from the same place in our brains. It is not neurotic. It is focus. That said, I do know guys in the gym that I would consider obsessed, but they are mostly those who are new to the game. I think a lot of that intensity will wear off with time. Don’t worry about it.

55

As much as I train and eat, this is definitely not all I think about. Life is best with diversity.

What happens if you get injured? You’ll wish you had other passions to keep you sane.

If I were you id pick up an instrument to balance you out.

Just don’t fall into that rut where all you see is gym gym gym…

Kill it in the gym…use the rest of your waking day making yourself a better lover,friend, or family member…co worker,whatever.

Unless you’re prepping for something I can’t see having this as your only thought.

56

I like what rockula said. I’ve gotten injured before and it’s like an identity crisis if you don’t have other outlets. I like spending time lifting, and equally like lurking on this site - mostly for the entertainment. I also like the fact that I can ask a whole bunch of bigger, better bodybuilders and PLers for advice…sometimes too much and I’ve been catching shit for asking too many questions - lol. BUT, I must admit that life is bigger than the gym - unless you’re a pro or something.

I’m in college, about to transfer to a university, LOVE what I study, spend a lot of free time thinking about philosophy and trying to learn new things, hang out with friends, do all that stuff. I also lift every day, or do conditioning on off days, spend a lot of time on T-Nation, think about lifting a lot, whatever. I also like to get laid, and do other fun shit. But, if you want to reach your full potential you’re going to have to spend quite a bit of time sacrificing and doing all that. That doesn’t mean you should become a weirdo or anything, just maybe prep some extra food to make sure you eat enough and make sure not to miss the gym. Def don’t become that guy who talks about lifting to people who clearly aren’t interested…

also, since I’m in school - when I’m in a competitive classroom setting, I will do whatever it takes to get and A. I will sit in the front row, bug the shit out of the teachers, ask questions, study, think about the subject, whatever. You can do that with lifting too if you want, why not?

57

Obsessed, dedicated or whatever, I am it… It does not consume me every second of the day, but close… I love thinking about trainging and how I am improving and what I can do to improve more. I love talking about training to others, I could talk about the gym all day long… BUT, I also like doing other shit, but the gym stays right there in my thoughts to keep me on track. I have my off days, and make up for them as much as possible.

I have two jobs, and kids, and I make it to the gym at least 5 days a week. Everyone is different and has different things that motivates them. The gym is mine and I don’t see that changing anytime soon. I agree with CT’s comment about diveristy, but when my knee blew that is when I thought about the gym the most. I kept thinking to myself how I needed to come back from this better and stronger than before.

58

It’s normal to obsess on weightlifting and diet when you first get into bodybuilding. Over the years, if you stick with it, it will become just a normal part of your lifestyle. I rarely talk about weightlifting any more, and usually only post here when I have a question about a current issue in my routine.

Don’t obsess so much about whether or not you’re obsessing, and just enjoy the ride.

59

Some of you in this thread need to relax and get a hamburger.

I’m not calling out any names…hiss09.

60

[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]

Nope, not at this point. I’m lucky if I go out drinking once every other month with my friends. I don’t think missing 1 workout is a big deal when I can just make up for it later in the week. It doesn’t matter if it’s a weekend or week night. Now if you’re talking about going out 3-4 times a week partying every week, then yeah. I’d probably would decline one of those nights and workout instead.