What keeps you motivated to stay in the gym?

[mrwheels]

For me it is to be strong and intimidating. The reason is this, I am in a wheelchair and have always been supper small. I am 5' 6", and am 115lbs. Now before you go and say "Dude, you are ridiculously small" let me explain my improvements. From the start of 2008 to the end of 2009 I was laid up in bed. I had a series of 3 surgeries to fix a hip (the socket deteriorated). I was in so much pain that I was vomiting daily, so I dropped down to 98lbs (I usually ran about 105 to 107)! I was so sickly looking! After I healed up I wanted to take hold of my life. So, I did.

I began to think about what I wanted to accomplish. One, I wanted to look better by adding muscle, and two, I wanted to be strong enough that in a time where if I was attacked (or someone else specifically a girl) I could fend off whoever the attacker was. I have been working out seriously for 5 1/2 months now. I have put on 10lbs of pure muscle in this time, and added 3 inches to my arms (they were 8" and are now 11"). I have decided that this will be my lifestyle. I will never stop!

[VKH]

Good for you! Keep it up!

I get motivated reading the forums. Also, I like to look good naked.

[mercy01]

"There are no shortcuts to any place worth going."

"Then there's another side that comes out that isn't so scared. It's another side that wants to take more...that wants to go that one more round... because by going that one more round...when you don't think you can-- That's what makes all the difference in your life."- ROCKY

[Gorath]

Recently, anger. I like to bottle it up then let it all out in my workout sessions. It's a great stress relief, and in can help you feel like you're getting one over on whatever has pissed you off.

It's particularly good for dealing with those times when you're pissed off at/with women.

I also find that being a member of the right gym seems to make a huge difference. Being part of one where you feel truly comfortable and happy is a HUGE motivational boost.