Getting Stronger Is Cool!
I could care less how strong I am. There, I said it! I know that would be considered heresy for a lot of people on here but it’s true. I got into this whole lifestyle for two reasons, to look good and feel good. I’m not going to lie, “look good” was WAY more important to me than “feel good” when I started.
Lately I’ve found “feel good” has been making a huge comeback. Work has been pretty stressful lately and I’ve found the gym to be an amazing way to step away from the madness for an hour. Every day I leave the gym (except for leg day, blech) I feel absolutely amazing. It’s so exciting to see gains and I swear pumps are addicting. I wish I could convey to people I know how awesome it feels. I obviously don’t do a good job explaining it because people always look at me like I’m a lunatic when I try to tell them exercise can be fun. Then I usually get called a “health nut”, which is beyond ridiculous. A health nut wouldn’t be addicted to chocolate. 
In the last couple of weeks I’ve actually started going to the gym four times a week instead of three. I’m not unhappy with the progress I’ve made, but rather I didn’t feel that three times a week was enough to get in all the work I wanted to do. Plus I just enjoy it! When I was paying my personal trainer I definitely could not have afforded to go four times a week, so this is one benefit of working out alone!
Knowing that you’re getting stronger is both satisfying and motivating at the same time. I remember the first time I picked up a thirty pound dumbbell I thought “This is heavy!”, which is just laughable now. I couldn’t do any pullups when I first started and now I’ve just started doing weighted ones. Seeing strength gains has been far more rewarding than I ever imagined it would be. Ok, maybe I care a little how strong I am. 
March 17, 2008 at 11:07 pm
Hi. My name is Staci,and I’m a Chocoholic. JK! You deff look strong! Glad to hear that you are enjoying your workouts so much and not so bummed about not having your personal trainer. Great job!!
March 18, 2008 at 2:06 am
I have an idea. Move closer to me and you can work out with a gym slut for free! LOL
March 18, 2008 at 7:02 am
Excellent blog Stress. Honesty is the best policy! Wait till you start working out 5 days a week…oh yeah! Fully expect that out of you in no time! TCLARY tries to do it but…you know…just can’t handle it. (HA!) 5 days a week has really helped me put on some weight and size over the past 3 years. One muscle group a day. It all fits and with plenty of rest!
Hey - I replied to your comment on my blog too
March 18, 2008 at 7:12 am
I completely agree with everything you wrote! I started working out for the same reasons as you, and it’s got me hooked! YOu seem to be doing just GREAT without your trainer, btw! Go, you!
March 19, 2008 at 9:39 pm
Stress - you really are one cool dude…(except the red eye avi????? not so sure about that one - like the groovy ones better). I really believe all three things, feeling good, looking good and being stronger all work together in this world…so reagardless of where you put your emphasis…i believe you will see gains in each area…. and, clearly you have!! way to go chocolateman!!! (how bout and avi with a big hershey’s kiss as your head??)