Looking for inspiration....help needed.

Maverik · 08-27-2004, 01:39 AM

Well, things haven't ben exactly good for me. I got laid off from another job about 3 months ago. For the past 5 years I have not been out of the gym for more than 2 weeks at a time. But when I got laid off, I lost my drive and quit working out. I had not worked out for 3 months until the other day (Tuesday) when I got back in the gym for the first time (my chest is sore as shit). Not only have I missed gym time, but my diet has been pure shit and I have been drinking like a fish. Right now I am 216 lbs and probably 20% BF. I am very out of shape and I am having trouble getting back into it.

So for those of you that know me, or those of you that don't, I ask the same thing. GIVE ME INSPIRATION!! I don't care if its cycle results, pics of how far you've come, or inspirational quotes. When I get into something I go all the way, but I am having trouble getting there. My friends are all alcoholics and druggies, so I cannot look to them for inspiration. So I call to you, my iron brothers, give me whatever you have that could help me to regain my faith in iron.

And please don't come on here and flame and say I should seek AA because I have been drinking a lot. That is the worst thing you could do. If I can get my lazy ass back in the gym and set some goals, the drinking would be non existant.
So let's have it fellas. I have always been a pretty quiet, but loyal member, and for the first time, I need help more than ever...please don't let me down.

GymRatNYC · 08-27-2004, 07:33 AM

I'll try to keep mine short:

About 12 years ago, I was simply a BLOB. We're talking 250 pounds with a 40" waist. I didn't even know what the inside of a gym looked like. I lived in Michigan, where the lifestyle there is, well, less than healthy.

Then I graduated from Michigan State (like you couldn't have guessed I went there), moved to SoCal, and my life changed completely. People there were healthy. I met people that actually were having fun with their lives. And I never realized how depressed I really was. (I knew exactly where I was going to drive my car off the cliff, and at some points I was driving by that place a few times a week.)

But here's what triggered me to get myself moving: I had the JOY of watching AUTOPSIES. There were four scheduled that morning -- I could only stand for two. They were two old, fat women. When they cut them open, and I saw all that bright yellow, tapioca-looking fat spilling out of them, I told myself at that moment, "I don't want that inside me when I die." And I never forget that. When I start eating bad, I pull out my old fat pictures and think of those autopsies, as much as I hated it.

I started swimming again -- masters, competitively. I started eating better. I actually took a bit of advice from Susan Powter (remember her? "STOP THE INSANITY!!") -- "food doesn't make you fat. Fat makes you fat." Not the best of advice, but if you're rather obese, it works.

I started also doing step-aerobics at home -- I couldn't imagine trying to do that in public looking the way I did and being as clutsy as I am... "I hurt a groin. It wasn't mine."

Then I had the opportunity to use a small gym -- for free. One that hardly a sole used, so I could do these pussy weights, and no one could comment on that. One thing led to another, and within nine months, I was down to 173! Then weight started to come up again, but it was GOOD weight -- my waist slimmed down to a 32", and it's been around there since.

Currently, I'm around 220 (give or take a good crap on the can) and in the best shape of my life. I've gone through many jobs, careers, and layoffs, but the one consist thing I had was THE GYM. I could go in there in shorts and a t-shirt, and everyone was the same. No one knew my income, my background, my profession. It was a place to get strong and clear the mind. There, I could forget, at least for a time, the issues I had in my life. It kept me sane.

The gym essentially saved my life. Let it do the same for you.

archive_HULK1550 · 08-27-2004, 08:35 AM

i have a good story about depression, but mine came from an injury i had, but im not going to get into that with you.
What you need to do is get your ass in a routine that includes a diet and the gym. you know it or else you wouldnt have written what you did. You dont need us. Look around at your "friends" and realize you dont want to be them, and look at all the reasons you dont want to be them then look at all the reasons YOU KNOW YOU NEED TO GET BACK IN THE GYM. The first week or two of getting the routine down is hard, after that youll look at them and laugh. just get to it, not tomorrow, not next week, today. START NOW

"Everybody wants to be a body builder but don't nobody want to lift no heavy ass weight"
-Ronnie Coleman

archive_Bjaarki · 08-27-2004, 09:15 AM

You don't need any external inspiration at all, Mav. If you did, you wouldn't have written.

GymRat, I never knew that about you, and wouldn't have believed it if you'd told me. I've met this guy, gentlemen, and he looks like a 220 lbs of granite.

DREXX · 08-27-2004, 10:48 AM

Mav: The guys are right, the fact that you are asking for motivations means that you have decided to do it.

I wish you luck; you have been in this game a long time so you know what to do.

A good source of motivation is having a goal, set a goal and a date and then DO IT... DO IT..

Why not post some before pics and then a weekly journal, kind of like I did for contest prep and then say in 12 weeks you will have to post after pics.

GymRatNYC: Thanks for sharing that info about you, it gives more insight on who you are and where you are coming from.

If it's not hard it's not worth doing...

archive_Caligula · 08-27-2004, 11:05 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="**-ubbcode-quote">quote:<HR> Why not post some before pics and then a weekly journal, kind of like I did for contest prep and then say in 12 weeks you will have to post after pics. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

This is a good idea. You could start a come-back post. You could put up photos and updates on a weekly basis and that will help to hold you accountable. Essentially this board could be your little cheering section. I'm sure you remember fukkens's post about how he was making a come-back into the shape he had once been in. I sometimes read that to motivate myself. I think if you did something similar it would help to motivate you, as well as other people. Everyone likes a challenge. Now get to it!

"That Which Does Not Kill You Makes You Stronger"

Curious

GymRatNYC · 08-27-2004, 11:15 AM

Thanks, bros... appreciated!

I didn't know granite was squishy!

But this is Mav's post... let's give him encouragement. If not, we'll have to arrange an AF crew to head down to Louiville and smack him silly...

archive_Nate · 08-27-2004, 12:31 PM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="**-ubbcode-quote">quote:<HR>Originally posted by Maverik:
My friends are all alcoholics and druggies, so I cannot look to them for inspiration. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

get some new friends.

valerie · 08-27-2004, 02:10 PM

One step at a time sweetie--remember what truly brings you joy and try to step in that direction. Once you are clear as to what that is always move in that direction. One way leads to death and the other life. Only two choices here. We all confuse pain with pleasure until we get clear on what state it is we want to attain.--valerie

joepalooka · 08-27-2004, 02:24 PM

From working in the bar industry for a portion of my life. You have to learn to shed the crap. My good friends are just like your's junkies and alcoholics but this does not stop me from training. Absolutely not. I just don't speak or hang with these freinds any longer and it keeps me out of trouble big time! They are unlimited source of entertainment but not worth the headaches and drama any more. My goals are different now and pretty specific. You have to look and find other like minded person's as yourself. You don't need inspiration you need fuel the desire and want to be better. What better way to be fueled is by others. Nothing better then getting pissed at yourself! Self anger is a great motivation tool well atleast for me it is. Face yourself and come to terms with your problem. You are at or close to hitting Rock bottom, you have too before you can see clearly the path you need to take. ONce you find the path make up your mind up and do it. No whinning no insistence your weak its you. You have to dig yourself out of the pit you created. Write your goals on paper . Read them daily and don't lose focus. Keep it in your training log. Read them over and over and make it the first page of your training log and you won't miss. Once you have obtained these goals make new goals. What ever it may be lifting, work, relationships it all applies!

CG and Monster are a blessing to get to know. Freinds and the best training partners I have ever had!

Curious George · 08-27-2004, 09:26 PM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="**-ubbcode-quote">quote:<HR>CG and Monster are a blessing to get to know. Freinds and the best training partners I have ever had!<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Amen Sister!

Take Good Care,

Cg

Monster · 08-27-2004, 10:52 PM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="**-ubbcode-quote">quote:<HR>Originally posted by Curious George:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="**-ubbcode-quote">quote:<HR>CG and Monster are a blessing to get to know. Freinds and the best training partners I have ever had!<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Amen Sister!

Take Good Care,

Cg

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

We really are, arent we!!!

-------------------------

"I was told that I could listen to the radio at a reasonable volume."

"Trying is the first step towards failure."

"Well, you tried your best and you failed miserably. The lesson is... never try."

Maverik · 09-01-2004, 06:24 PM

Thanks for all the replies, fellas, especially you, Gymrat. That was a very motivational story. I think there are several things causing my lack of motivation:
1. Very burnt out on school. Finishing up my Associates and I am so sick of it, I have trouble going everyday
2. Used to have a workout partner, and now I don't because I now work 2nd shift at some shitty job that I hate. I used to workout by myself a lot, but having a partner so long makes it hard to get in there if you don't anymore.
3. The fatter I get the less I want to go to the gym, go jogging, or even eat right. As strange as it sounds, it really does seem like that. I almost feel like one of those fat people you see on TV now. I am so fat and broke, I don't even like going out places w/ friends anymore. And when I stay at home, all I do is eat.
4. Did I mention I hate my job and I hate working 3pm-12 every friggin day?

I saw a doctor recently and he said I seem to be in early stages of depression. I have had prblems w/ depression before, so this is not unlikely. He gave me some samples of some antidepressants about 3 weeks ago and I didn't like it as much as my first time taking Paxil. Basically, my depression didn't get any better. So, I will go back next week and see what else he has for me. Hopefully next week I can get my ass back in a routine. Right now I am getting fatter by the day and even small tasks such as bending over to tie my shoes seems harder (because of my gut?)

Thanks for the help fellas. I am going to report back at the end of next week and hopefully I will have good news.

GymRatNYC · 09-01-2004, 07:38 PM

Good luck, Mav. You're a good, intelligent guy. You'll get through this, and we'll do out best to help.

archive_Bjaarki · 09-01-2004, 08:16 PM

Mav, you sound demoralized, not depressed. There's a difference, and they require very different approaches.

Depression will benefit from medication. Demoralization won't. Regardless of what some here will say, adding another substance to your daily intake will probably not benefit you much. Demoralization requires environmental and behavioral interventions.

Have you ever heard of the AA concept, "Fake it until you make it"? Try it.

Bjaarki

... Then, do what you have to do.

Omen01 · 09-02-2004, 03:07 AM

Mav I have been in a very similar situation to you except I quit working out and took a load of opiates.

You have to think long term. Who do YOU want to be? What do YOU want to achieve when it's all said and done?

Lounging around drinking and eating shit is the ultimate in short term satisfaction. It's fun, but only fun for that day you are doing it and that day only. Getting down the gym, setting goals and achieving your ultimate physique is worth a lifetimes satisfaction. Yes it's hard and the gains come slow but you have to look to the future and think about yourself.

So who are you? A short term loser or a long term winner?

Become who you once were my friend.

Pharm Animal · 09-02-2004, 12:08 PM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="**-ubbcode-quote">quote:<HR>Originally posted by Maverik:
So let's have it fellas. I have always been a pretty quiet, but loyal member, and for the first time, I need help more than ever...please don't let me down.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>Mav, I've known you for the past 5 years online (J's IA Board was our playground...learned a lot from the guys there) and you have helped me out at various times in the past with either a direct post of encouragement or advice...and I'll never forget it.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="**-ubbcode-quote">quote:<HR>I had not worked out for 3 months until the other day (Tuesday) when I got back in the gym for the first time (my chest is sore as shit).<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>How's the chest feel now? I'll bet the next time you'll be more responsive to working chest and it ain't gonna get as soree as it was.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="**-ubbcode-quote">quote:<HR>Not only have I missed gym time, but my diet has been pure shit and I have been drinking like a fish. Right now I am 216 lbs and probably 20% BF. I am very out of shape and I am having trouble getting back into it<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>You have been there before and you'll get there faster this time. Plus you already know how to do all of this stuff, all there is to do is get to the gym.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="**-ubbcode-quote">quote:<HR>If I can get my lazy ass back in the gym and set some goals, <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>...you already have. Build upon what you've started, my brother.

archive_Caligula · 09-02-2004, 01:50 PM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="**-ubbcode-quote">quote:<HR>You have been there before and you'll get there faster this time. Plus you already know how to do all of this stuff, all there is to do is get to the gym.
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Muscle memory...you'll be amazed at how quickly you can get it back if you set your mind to it.

"That Which Does Not Kill You Makes You Stronger"

Curious

Wood · 09-02-2004, 01:59 PM

Put up an inspirational picture on your bathroom mirror - for me it is Steve Reeves.

Pray

Eat your food on a smaller plate. Studies show that serving food on large plates makes most people eat more food - it looks like a smaller amount. The same portion on a smaller plate looks like more food

08-27-2004, 07:33 AM	#2 (permalink)
GymRatNYC Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2000 Posts: 1,444 Rep Power: 7409	I'll try to keep mine short: About 12 years ago, I was simply a BLOB. We're talking 250 pounds with a 40" waist. I didn't even know what the inside of a gym looked like. I lived in Michigan, where the lifestyle there is, well, less than healthy. Then I graduated from Michigan State (like you couldn't have guessed I went there), moved to SoCal, and my life changed completely. People there were healthy. I met people that actually were having fun with their lives. And I never realized how depressed I really was. (I knew exactly where I was going to drive my car off the cliff, and at some points I was driving by that place a few times a week.) But here's what triggered me to get myself moving: I had the JOY of watching AUTOPSIES. There were four scheduled that morning -- I could only stand for two. They were two old, fat women. When they cut them open, and I saw all that bright yellow, tapioca-looking fat spilling out of them, I told myself at that moment, "I don't want that inside me when I die." And I never forget that. When I start eating bad, I pull out my old fat pictures and think of those autopsies, as much as I hated it. I started swimming again -- masters, competitively. I started eating better. I actually took a bit of advice from Susan Powter (remember her? "STOP THE INSANITY!!") -- "food doesn't make you fat. Fat makes you fat." Not the best of advice, but if you're rather obese, it works. I started also doing step-aerobics at home -- I couldn't imagine trying to do that in public looking the way I did and being as clutsy as I am... "I hurt a groin. It wasn't mine." Then I had the opportunity to use a small gym -- for free. One that hardly a sole used, so I could do these pussy weights, and no one could comment on that. One thing led to another, and within nine months, I was down to 173! Then weight started to come up again, but it was GOOD weight -- my waist slimmed down to a 32", and it's been around there since. Currently, I'm around 220 (give or take a good crap on the can) and in the best shape of my life. I've gone through many jobs, careers, and layoffs, but the one consist thing I had was THE GYM. I could go in there in shorts and a t-shirt, and everyone was the same. No one knew my income, my background, my profession. It was a place to get strong and clear the mind. There, I could forget, at least for a time, the issues I had in my life. It kept me sane. The gym essentially saved my life. Let it do the same for you. __________________

08-27-2004, 09:15 AM	#4 (permalink)
archive_Bjaarki Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2000 Posts: 3,673 Rep Power: 13546	You don't need any external inspiration at all, Mav. If you did, you wouldn't have written. GymRat, I never knew that about you, and wouldn't have believed it if you'd told me. I've met this guy, gentlemen, and he looks like a 220 lbs of granite. __________________ First, say to yourself what you would become. Then, do what you have to do.

08-27-2004, 10:48 AM	#5 (permalink)
DREXX Gold Member Join Date: Nov 2000 Posts: 1,329 Rep Power: 7294	Mav: The guys are right, the fact that you are asking for motivations means that you have decided to do it. I wish you luck; you have been in this game a long time so you know what to do. A good source of motivation is having a goal, set a goal and a date and then DO IT... DO IT.. Why not post some before pics and then a weekly journal, kind of like I did for contest prep and then say in 12 weeks you will have to post after pics. GymRatNYC: Thanks for sharing that info about you, it gives more insight on who you are and where you are coming from. If it's not hard it's not worth doing... __________________ If it's not hard, it's not worth doing...

08-27-2004, 11:05 AM	#6 (permalink)
archive_Caligula Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2000 Posts: 3,123 Rep Power: 9088	<BLOCKQUOTE class="**-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> Why not post some before pics and then a weekly journal, kind of like I did for contest prep and then say in 12 weeks you will have to post after pics. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE> This is a good idea. You could start a come-back post. You could put up photos and updates on a weekly basis and that will help to hold you accountable. Essentially this board could be your little cheering section. I'm sure you remember fukkens's post about how he was making a come-back into the shape he had once been in. I sometimes read that to motivate myself. I think if you did something similar it would help to motivate you, as well as other people. Everyone likes a challenge. Now get to it! "That Which Does Not Kill You Makes You Stronger" Curious __________________ &quot;A mind is a terrible thing to waste...that&apos;s why Bush doesn&apos;t have one.&quot; &quot;The Harder you work, the harder it is to surrender&quot; Curious

08-27-2004, 11:15 AM	#7 (permalink)
GymRatNYC Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2000 Posts: 1,444 Rep Power: 7409	Thanks, bros... appreciated! I didn't know granite was squishy! But this is Mav's post... let's give him encouragement. If not, we'll have to arrange an AF crew to head down to Louiville and smack him silly... __________________

08-27-2004, 12:31 PM	#8 (permalink)
archive_Nate Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Posts: 249 Rep Power: 5724	<BLOCKQUOTE class="**-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Maverik: My friends are all alcoholics and druggies, so I cannot look to them for inspiration. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE> get some new friends.

08-27-2004, 02:10 PM	#9 (permalink)
valerie Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Posts: 126 Rep Power: 4551	One step at a time sweetie--remember what truly brings you joy and try to step in that direction. Once you are clear as to what that is always move in that direction. One way leads to death and the other life. Only two choices here. We all confuse pain with pleasure until we get clear on what state it is we want to attain.--valerie

08-27-2004, 02:24 PM	#10 (permalink)
joepalooka Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Posts: 1,745 Rep Power: 5100	From working in the bar industry for a portion of my life. You have to learn to shed the crap. My good friends are just like your's junkies and alcoholics but this does not stop me from training. Absolutely not. I just don't speak or hang with these freinds any longer and it keeps me out of trouble big time! They are unlimited source of entertainment but not worth the headaches and drama any more. My goals are different now and pretty specific. You have to look and find other like minded person's as yourself. You don't need inspiration you need fuel the desire and want to be better. What better way to be fueled is by others. Nothing better then getting pissed at yourself! Self anger is a great motivation tool well atleast for me it is. Face yourself and come to terms with your problem. You are at or close to hitting Rock bottom, you have too before you can see clearly the path you need to take. ONce you find the path make up your mind up and do it. No whinning no insistence your weak its you. You have to dig yourself out of the pit you created. Write your goals on paper . Read them daily and don't lose focus. Keep it in your training log. Read them over and over and make it the first page of your training log and you won't miss. Once you have obtained these goals make new goals. What ever it may be lifting, work, relationships it all applies! CG and Monster are a blessing to get to know. Freinds and the best training partners I have ever had! __________________

08-27-2004, 09:26 PM	#11 (permalink)
Curious George Moderator and Future CRNA Join Date: Jan 2001 Posts: 2,462 Rep Power: 24479	<BLOCKQUOTE class="**-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>CG and Monster are a blessing to get to know. Freinds and the best training partners I have ever had!<HR></BLOCKQUOTE> Amen Sister! Take Good Care, Cg

08-27-2004, 10:52 PM	#12 (permalink)
Monster Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2001 Posts: 5,637 Rep Power: 11921	<BLOCKQUOTE class="-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Curious George: <BLOCKQUOTE class="-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>CG and Monster are a blessing to get to know. Freinds and the best training partners I have ever had!<HR></BLOCKQUOTE> Amen Sister! Take Good Care, Cg <HR></BLOCKQUOTE> We really are, arent we!!! ------------------------- "I was told that I could listen to the radio at a reasonable volume." "Trying is the first step towards failure." "Well, you tried your best and you failed miserably. The lesson is... never try." __________________ ------------------------- &quot;I would NEVER call a retarded person a retard. Retard is what you call your friends when theyre acting retarded.&quot; - Michael Scott &quot;I am against religion because it teaches us to be satisfied with not understanding the world.&quot; -- Robert Dawkins

09-01-2004, 07:38 PM	#14 (permalink)
GymRatNYC Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2000 Posts: 1,444 Rep Power: 7409	Good luck, Mav. You're a good, intelligent guy. You'll get through this, and we'll do out best to help. __________________

09-01-2004, 08:16 PM	#15 (permalink)
archive_Bjaarki Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2000 Posts: 3,673 Rep Power: 13546	Mav, you sound demoralized, not depressed. There's a difference, and they require very different approaches. Depression will benefit from medication. Demoralization won't. Regardless of what some here will say, adding another substance to your daily intake will probably not benefit you much. Demoralization requires environmental and behavioral interventions. Have you ever heard of the AA concept, "Fake it until you make it"? Try it. Bjaarki ... Then, do what you have to do. __________________ First, say to yourself what you would become. Then, do what you have to do.

09-02-2004, 03:07 AM	#16 (permalink)
Omen01 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2001 Posts: 105 Rep Power: 5740	Mav I have been in a very similar situation to you except I quit working out and took a load of opiates. You have to think long term. Who do YOU want to be? What do YOU want to achieve when it's all said and done? Lounging around drinking and eating shit is the ultimate in short term satisfaction. It's fun, but only fun for that day you are doing it and that day only. Getting down the gym, setting goals and achieving your ultimate physique is worth a lifetimes satisfaction. Yes it's hard and the gains come slow but you have to look to the future and think about yourself. So who are you? A short term loser or a long term winner? Become who you once were my friend.

09-02-2004, 01:50 PM	#18 (permalink)
archive_Caligula Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2000 Posts: 3,123 Rep Power: 9088	<BLOCKQUOTE class="**-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>You have been there before and you'll get there faster this time. Plus you already know how to do all of this stuff, all there is to do is get to the gym. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE> Muscle memory...you'll be amazed at how quickly you can get it back if you set your mind to it. "That Which Does Not Kill You Makes You Stronger" Curious __________________ &quot;A mind is a terrible thing to waste...that&apos;s why Bush doesn&apos;t have one.&quot; &quot;The Harder you work, the harder it is to surrender&quot; Curious

09-02-2004, 01:59 PM	#19 (permalink)
Wood Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 634 Rep Power: 4175	Put up an inspirational picture on your bathroom mirror - for me it is Steve Reeves. Pray Eat your food on a smaller plate. Studies show that serving food on large plates makes most people eat more food - it looks like a smaller amount. The same portion on a smaller plate looks like more food