Selfish & Antisocial
I know that there are times when I am both selfish and antisocial. Knowing this doesn’t make me feel guilty though. Let me explain…
There are many reasons that people can give you for why they love working out. Of course, there are the obvious ones: looking better, being healthier, having more energy, gaining strength, maintaining or losing weight, etc. For me, however, the reasons that I love the sport extend beyond these common ones. First of all, I love working out because it is an endeavor in which I must take full responsibility for successes as well as failures. If I slack off in my training and lose strength, I have to answer to myself. At the same time, when I lift a heavier weight for the first time or notice that a muscle has grown, I know that the achievement is mine and mine alone. I get the credit for what I accomplish through my training whether it is good or bad. Working to better my health and achieve a higher level of fitness is a choice that I have made for myself. It was never mandated by anyone else. Realizing that this endeavor- the amount of time, effort, and energy that I put into it- is completely up to me, gives me a sense of ownership and pride. The results I achieve are up to me, which means I have to give it all I have.
Another reason that I love to train is that it allows me to escape everything else that is going on in my life. It keeps me sane. When work has been stressful or I’ve been arguing with a friend, I can go work out and forget about my worries. During this time, the only things that seem to exist are me and the weights (and the music coming from my MP3 player of course). And I can trust the weights. They won’t say snide remarks or do things behind my back. They won’t lie to me or try to manipulate me.
During my work out, I can focus on improving myself by myself. It’s my time to be selfish and antisocial and I don’t feel bad about it at all.
August 23, 2007 at 1:44 pm
Right on! I wouldn’t even call it being selfish or antisocial, more like determination and discipline. Keep it up!
August 23, 2007 at 7:51 pm
If you don’t mind my asking, what MP3 player do you have? I typically read a book while on the Life Cycle and sometimes even between sets in the weight room. Anyway, I’m just visiting from the Land of the 8-Track Tape Player and was wondering about this new fangled MP3 contraption. Seriously, you’re entitled to stress reduction however you achieve it. "Selfish & Antisocial"? Whatever works. boricuamason describes it in a positive way, though. Determination and discipline!
August 24, 2007 at 4:25 am
I definatly know where your coming from. Working out I think gives alot of people the stress relief and the need to escape from the daily grind in there lives.
August 24, 2007 at 4:44 am
Could not have said it better myself. I have the same view as you do. I use my training not only as a means to better myself, but also as a outlet from the world. Its a very self gratifying sport but the other benifits that come along with it are priceless!
August 24, 2007 at 4:47 am
Sorry, thats me above….first time posting on one of these…lol