Why Do You Train?

by Nia Shanks | Follow her on Twitter here

Catching air from sledding in Breckenridge

Everyone goes to the gym (or trains at home) for different reasons. Today I’m going to share with you the reasons I train, and I want to know why you train too.

First, let me tell you why I used to train:

To look better
To lose body fat
To build a flat stomach and get as close as possible to a six pack
To look better to other people
To stay “skinny” and stay in shape

Years ago, those were my reasons for going to the gym. Do you see a trend with those five primary reasons? None of them are all that positive, and some reasons where centered on the opinions of other people. Needless to say, these reasons for training were not sustainable for the long term. Training wasn’t fun; it was more like a chore. I lost motivation for hitting the weights.

Now at this day and time, I train for entirely different reasons:

First and foremost – to get stronger
Because it’s enjoyable
To challenge myself and see what I’m capable of doing
To build character (yes, lifting weights most certainly builds character)
To test out different methods of training to see what works best for me
To increase and maintain my health as I get older
To keep myself in shape so I can participate in other physical activities – skiboarding, hiking, playing football and other sports, rock climbing, swimming, racquetball, flying down a hill on a sled and ramping off the side of mountain into three+ feet of powder (like in the picture above), and any other activity I want to do

My reasons for training today are much more positive and completely different from my reasons for training back in the day. I’m no longer concerned with burning calories or looking good for other people. Yes, looking good is a wonderful thing, but for me it is more of a side-effect from training for strength. I too want to look good, but it’s not my primary goal; it’s just an added benefit from training hard and eating smart.

Right now I train in my garage and since it’s winter, I train in the bitter cold. Some people think I’m insane to go outside in 20 degree temperatures to lift. I have to put on thermals and several other layers just to stay warm. To some people, that’s crazy. To me, it’s just part of it. I love throwing on a bunch of layers, heading out to my home gym, and lifting heavy weight. Each and every session I am getting closer and closer to my main goal – getting stronger.

This journey doesn’t end either. Even once I reach a specific goal (hitting a new PR on the deadlift, for example) I’ll just set a new one and keep going. This journey never ends, even though my goals may change over time.

Now your reasons for training may be completed different from my own. Some people train because they want to look good naked, plain and simple. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that if it keeps you going to the gym consistently and long term. But sooner or later, adding a more positive goal to the list will give you even more motivation.

Ask yourself this question: Why do I train?

If necessary, make a list and be completely honest with yourself. If you find you lack consistent motivation to go to the gym, it may be time to come up with some different reasons for training. Whatever you do, make those reasons positive. For example, having the goal of “squatting twice my bodyweight” is much more positive and motivating than saying “I want to lose weight”.

This is why I tell people to Stop Training for Fat Loss and to Focus on Getting Stronger. You’ll be much more motivated to train and you’ll even have fun in the process.

So . . . why do you train? Tell me in the comment section below.

http://Website(optional) melanie beardslee

I have gone through the same list of reasons for training as you listed above–when I, engaged a personal trainer, my life changes–I, was chalanged–he, believed that in spit of my 68 years and Rhuematoid arthritis , I could be a lot more–I am and intend to keep going way into the future–your site confirms that women at any age can be more than they think–they can be all they believe
http://www.fatlossdetour.com Nia Shanks

Melanie-

That is great to hear! I'm glad you're training and going strong. Keep up the good work and I wish you all the best.
http://Website(optional) April

Great post! My reasons are similar – mainly to get stronger and feel healthy. But I will also add that I train so that I can eat more (healthy) food and not gain weight :)
http://www.fatlossdetour.com Nia Shanks

April-

Ha! I love that reason too!
http://Website(optional) Mary Coppage

I started for the wrong reasons, had a stroke because I didn't start soon enough(in the gym with my 22 yr old just graduated & certified personal trainer who saved my life). I now lift for all your reasons,also TO MAINTAIN BALANCE, WALK without ANY aid(dr's predicted a life in a wheelchair). My same trainer for 3 years has me driving, 2 % neuro deficit only at 61, & up greatly in strenghth & endurance. To keep a drivers license, the neurologist has to see me once a year, and credits my trainer with challenging me to normal & beyond. I wouldn't miss a session for nay reason, love the challenges free weights present on “bad days” and finally can sqat on a BOSU!
http://gordonwatts.com/#health Gordon Wayne Watts

When you're weak in, for example, typical powerlifting or weightlifting gym lifts, it can sometimes make you feel less confident in other areas of your life. so a polar opposite of that is to get stronger.

Somehow, accomplishing one set of goals makes you mentally tougher and more confident in another set of goals.

Also, another benefit is that you are a motivation to push *other* people -and thus help motivate them –and when you help other people, 'karma' indirectly rebounds back to help you.
http://www.fatlossdetour.com Nia Shanks

Mary-

That is an amazing story, and I appreciate you sharing it. A higher quality of life is what you are training for, and you have accomplished that goal. Your story proves that there is more to working out than just looking good in a swimsuit – having a higher quality of life should be the main priority. Congratulations on your success and keep up the good work!!! Thank you again for sharing.

Gordon-

Agreed!
http://Website(optional) Rosalind1599

I train because I am a single mom and I have a 3 y.o. son who looks to me as an example. When I gave birth to him, I weighed about 245 and had minimal strength and endurance. Today, I am down to 163 and still going – but my goal isn't based on the scale. I want to be FIT and lead my family in a healthy lifestyle. I love lifting in the gym (currently doing FLD) and ran my first 5K last fall – and I can't get over how much I love what I'm doing. I feel better emotionally and physically, my movement patterns are stronger and healther and my attitude has been completely empowered.
http://aka2.wordpress.com AKA

My answer has evolved/changed over the last year. I used to run a whole lot to 'counter-balance' my giant appetite and lifted weights to cross-train. For the past 6-8 months I've kept my diet in check and train to maintain my muscles as I lose weight. But what gets me up in the morning to train? To be the strongest me I can be. (oh, that rhymed!)
http://Website(optional) V

I originally joined a gym to lose weight, but my motivation became that feeling/rush you get after completing an awsome workout. It then moved on to continuously bettering the last workout, whether it be increasing weights or maintaining weight and increasing reps.

I started Nia's FLD and was going great … until week 4 came along. My gym had a weight loss challenge and it was all anyone talked about, why wasn't I doing the challenge, what was I eating, how often was I eating, eat a cucumber as a snack instead of an apple, it consumed my thoughts, my focus was diverted and my weightloss stalled.

Then I remembered why I took on Nia's FLD and that was because the mindset was similar to that of my own… except that it was backed up by Nia's knowledge and experience.

Started up again on FLD this week after injury … and xmas festivity lol, motivated by improving my physical strength back up by some mental strength and focus.

p.s. hope this doen't sound too much like an infomercial ..lol
http://www.committostayfit.com/ beachbody coaches

I train so that I can lift my 3 yo without difficulty and to live longer for him. i want to be alive and still kicking to see my future grandsons and granddaughters and maybe lift them up without difficulty even when I'm 70. The sixpack and the svelte figure are just bonuses.
http://Website(optional) Stacey

I train for all the reasons you said in your article also.
http://Website(optional) Matt

Specifically, I presently train to get:

2X BW Deadlift/Squat (a little over 1.5 now)

1.5 BW Bench (about BW now)

BW Press/Power Clean (Clean is close, Press is hahahahaha)

BW + 100# Pull up (I can dream!)

All this to support my awesomeness (at least in my mind). It may take some time but, what the heck, I've got that.
http://www.fatlossdetour.com Nia Shanks

Rosalind- “my goal isn't based on the scale”. I LOVE that! You have a great goal and it is very encouraging to me as well. Thank you so much for sharing and I wish you and your family the very best! Keep being a Beautiful Badass!

AKA- That's awesome!

V- I know what you mean about getting off track sometimes. I'm so glad you have a positive goal and mindset, and I'm so thankful to hear that you enjoy FLD! Thank you for sharing and keeping going strong!

Beach- Awesome motivation!

Stacey- Great! Thanks for sharing. : )

Matt- That's great that you have specific goals. Keep me updated on your progress!
http://Website(optional) Jessica

I train because…

I love it

It's empowering to lift weights as women

I train to snatch more and clean and jerk more

I train to snatch over my bodyweight and to clean and jerk 1.5 times my bodyweight

I train because of the positive effect it has on my confidence

I train to one day to compete at the Canadian Weighlifting Championships
http://www.fatlossdetour.com Nia Shanks

Jessica-

That is awesome! Those are some great weight lifting goals. I suck at Olympic lifts . . . may have to change that some day. : )

thanks for sharing!
http://Website(optional) Helena

I train so I can become a good a better aerial artist.

I love the thrill of getting stronger.

I love how getting stronger with weights makes it so that bodyweight exercises feel even easier

I train so that every other activity I may choose to participate in feels easier – walking, running, dancing.

I train because it's a form of meditation for me to spend at least 15 minutes focused on something that feels good to my body.

Nia – I love how you shared the shift in your reasons for training. It's wonderful to hear that you currently have awesome self-defined reasons for training that feel good to you as an individual (as opposed to just taking on the typical fatloss reasons that the we've been taught to value). Hooray for each person being themselves :)
http://www.fatlossdetour.com Nia Shanks

Helena-

“Aerial artist”? That is awesome! I would love for you to send me a video so I can post it in the next Beautiful Badass edition! What do you say? ; )

You have amazing goals, and thank you for the very kind words.
http://Website(optional) James

Hi NIa,

I love reading your blog. How long are the hills you sprint and how often do you do them a week? Is it OK to do sprints the day before or after leg training?

Thanks for all your help, keep up the great work!

James
http://Website(optional) Helena

Hi Nia!

Thanks for your response!

My next aerial session starts sometime in april. I'm actually gonna be taking some photos & hopefully some video in June. When I do, I'll email you in case you do another Beautiful Badass edition in the late spring.

Keep blogging! Your voice is important:)
http://www.fatlossdetour.com Nia Shanks

James-

I use several different hills – once is about 20 yards and very steep, and the others are about 50-90 yards, with different grade levels.

If you're primary goal is maximum strength I would NOT run hills the day before training lower body. Many coaches say not to run before lower body days, but I don't think it's a bid deal if you want to be more “athletic”. However, give yourself time to adjust to adding hill sprints into your training.

Depending on my goals I usually run hills 1-4 times per week. I vary the intensity levels as well. If my main goal is strength I'll still run hills a few times per week, but no more than 80% intensity.

How many times you run and the intensity of the sprints all depends on your primary goals. I know that's vague . . . what is your primary goal right now? That would help me answer your question better.

Helena-

That sounds great! I look forward to your videos! Thanks again.
http://Website(optional) James

My primary goal is definitely to get stronger but at the same time I also want to improve or atleast maintain my athleticism.
http://gainwithoutpain.wordpress.com/ Maria

My passion is hiking the Appalachian Trail. I train so that hopefully I will be able to hike the entire trail someday (I have already completed about 1/4 of the trail).

Thanks for your posts – they help keep me focused and motivated!
http://www.fatlossdetour.com Nia Shanks

James-

Check out this article by Jim Wendler. It should really help you out: http://www.t-nation.com/free_online_article/most_recent/the_worlds_simplest_training_template

Maria-

Wow! I have heard about that trail – what an awesome (and crazy!) goal! I'm glad you like the information. Keep training hard!
http://Website(optional) James

Thanks Nia, that article is a huge help.

James
http://Website(optional) garrick

In my teens,I trained for sports–football and rugby– over time,I stopped playing,but realized the importance of fitness.You can not store ,so you must continue with an exercise regimen where you will attain a certain level of fitness as you get older.You look at the early greats like Reeves,Gironda,

Grimek ,I could go on.Even up to their passing,they kept on training.These folks trained to stay in shape as do I.The benefits will be seen as you get older.I'm 46 and I play sports with my teenage sons,because I still train,stay flexible,mobile and conditioned.It is not easy.The other side of the coin is being out of shape and that is too easy.
http://www.fatlossdetour.com Nia Shanks

Garrick-

That's awesome that you play sports with your teenage kids. Way too many parents use the “I'm too old excuse”, even when they're in their 30s! That's great to hear, and thanks for sharing!
http://www.rageyourwaythin.com ragemichelle

I train because I want to live as long as possible.

Why Do You Train?

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