Where Do You Keep Your Level of Training?

[Obadiah!]

I have been lifting hard and eating clean for a number of years now. I have basically kept myself in near contest shape for that time. Increasingly it seems hard to go to the gym and push myself beyond just maintaining what I've developed. At some point I would think most get a bit weary of always trying to maintain the protien intake levels everyday and keeping their diet clean every day, save a cheat day.

Tell me where you are. Do you always forever push to grow? Do you always eat clean and get your required protien, or do you simply keep yourself in shape and refuse to allow the fat sloppy look?

Where do you find your balance between wanting to grow and being satisified that you have what you need?

[DanVanVliet]

I go in the middle ,sometimes I lift just to maintain because I just don't have the drive ,right now I'm on a building phase but it is hard to maintain at my age strengh does incress but not as fast.So I guess about half grow half maintain.

[Obadiah!]

Originally Posted by DanVanVliet

I go in the middle ,sometimes I lift just to maintain because I just don't have the drive ,right now I'm on a building phase but it is hard to maintain at my age strengh does incress but not as fast.So I guess about half grow half maintain.

Yeah, thanks. See my poll post.

[phikappa]

Originally Posted by Obadiah!

Where do you find your balance between wanting to grow and being satisified that you have what you need?

When lifting disrupts my ability to earn a decent income.

[evadbowl]

personally its hard to stay motivated at times. I am at a place where family and other things are more important than lifting. Saying that, im not gonna throw away 6 years of non-stop training and eating right. I have gotten a little slack lately. Maybe I could squeeze at an extra rep, maybe a little more weight on certain exercises. You know, im just kinda lifting along. I dont compete so that dont help.

[Damon Smith]

I always push to increase my size and strength. I do have lulls and I may slow down for a week but still go to the gym. On the cheat meals, I've gotten to the point where I don't do it so often because sometimes I've been sick to my stomach for a couple of days afterward. I am happy eating clean and I know that there will be times I'm not 100% on my workouts, it's part of life. Appreciate your accomplishments, do not be weary of them.

[Capt. America]

I guess I'm fortunate, I can eat what I want and don't have to worry about weight issues. I lift 4 to 5 times a week cause I enjoy the feel of cold iron in my hands. Yet I like to have a few beers and enjoy life. I think once you get over 50 your days are numbered...so I'm going to enjoy them all. I really don't take anything serious anymore and all my goals in life are accomplished...so it's party time!

[evadbowl]

Originally Posted by Capt. America

I guess I'm fortunate, I can eat what I want and don't have to worry about weight issues. I lift 4 to 5 times a week cause I enjoy the feel of cold iron in my hands. Yet I like to have a few beers and enjoy life. I think once you get over 50 your days are numbered...so I'm going to enjoy them all. I really don't take anything serious anymore and all my goals in life are accomplished...so it's party time!

well as far as that goes, everyones days are numbered. No one person is promised the next day. You dont have to be over 50 to say life is just about over. I guess in normal circumstances this could be true, but hey, not everything is normal!! I try and live everyday like its my last because it very well could be. Lifting weights does help me in one area for sure, RELIEVES STRESS!!

[Arlecchino]

Always pushing to increase my strength. Diet and conditioning will be sacrificed long before this.

[Domkratos]

fortunately, no problems with getting lean. don’t like the word “to maintain” at all. so it’s either all steam ahead or the full stop.

[ScubaDave]

I find it much easier to maintain intensity in the gym than in the kitchen. Although I enjoy eating clean, and really don't have a cheat day, I struggle with the sheer caloric intake. So, at least once every 4 months or so I take a good solid week off from lifting and diet concerns. Also, I will take 2-3 weeks off at some point in the year just to let things settle out. Maybe a few light workouts during that time, but nothing too serious.

In a broader sense, I'm always looking to grow. And although my workouts are always intense, I may have a week where I choose not to over-tax the CNS. As this is a lifestyle choice for the long haul, it allows me the benefit of time to focus on intermediate goals.

[mfsteve]

I'm all over the place. My workout programs go about a month now before they get modified. I simply lose interest. I've tried the weight-intense vice the rep-intense and even tried looking for a middle ground. I just can't seem to find a program I can stick with for long anymore. On the upside: If you believe in the theory of muscle confusion, I have mastered it.

I am looking for a balance now where I'm not dreading going to the gym and I've only been at it for about 15 months.

As far as diet goes: When I'm hungry I eat. Over the last year I've taught myself to eat better and it's not like I worry about ratios or any of that. If you're hardcore or just really into the diet aspect I think that's great but it's not for me. When Mr. Stomach calls demanding waffles and ice cream, Mr.Stomach gets waffles and ice cream. A strict diet would have put me over the top long ago and I would have quit working out altogether.

[Damon Smith]

I use to work out according to a program but my body would adjust quickly. What I do now is....whatever muscles are not tired or sore then that is what I work on. So far this has been working good for me.

[Tyrbolift]

I've always worked out to grow, and am happy with where I've gotten, so if I just maintain even though I'm not trying to, that would be acceptable to me.