To be in it for the long haul, there needs to be something deeper than just getting bigger or stronger.
The Two Types of Life-Long Fitness Enthusiast
Ask the average "gym bro" about his goals and you hear words like, "jacked," "ripped" or "strong." Those are fine, but in the grand scheme of life they don't mean much after all is said and done. No one is lying on his or her deathbed regretting slightly smaller biceps.
You need to go much deeper and ask the bigger question:
"Why do I want to build muscle, burn fat, or gain strength?"
I have found there are two types of life-long fitness enthusiast. The first being individuals who truly love training and have developed genuine zeal. The second type encompasses those who have connected the benefits of training to what they value most. For this group, lifting supports deeper values.
Perhaps, the reason you embarked on your fitness journey want was to find self-confidence; to and the ability to attract a mate and maybe you see strength training as a means for those. When these real reasons become your focus, you won't become another New Year's resolution drop-out stat. Training will feel like more of a responsibility.
Then as life goes on, continue to add reasons for lifting based on your new phases of life.Here are a few reasons from myself and clients:
Build inner strength
Look good for my wife
Be respected by my kids
Have the energy to a play with my kids
Be physically able to defend my family
Look the part of a trainer
Set an example for clients and students
Care for the body God has given me
Increase productivity
Defy the traditional expectations of aging
Maybe these aren't things that matter in the context of YOUR life.
So find what does!
When you connect training to what you want and value, the reasons for doing it keep adding up.Your motivation can actually increase with age as these values accumulate. You'll find that over time, you'll become someone who loves lifting (the first type of lifter) and this will make it even easier to be a life-long lifter.
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