USPlabs asks WHY dO you LIFT? Share your "WHY" story and WIN BIGLY!

USPlabsRep said:
Give me the pleasure to send a Gift box to your fire station.

Email the number of people and tshirt size if you don't mind as well as your three supplements of choice and shirt size...
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FireTitan this is one of the reasons why my stash picture in that other thread contained so much USPLabs products. Solid products and a solid company.
 
I'm 53 and I have 4 reasons why I lift.
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My four grandkids that I want to be around for. Lifting keeps me young, and allows me to be active with them. I've had my grand daughter in the gym already, and can't wait to introduce the boys to it.
 
SFreed said:
I'm 53 and I have 4 reasons why I lift.
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My four grandkids that I want to be around for. Lifting keeps me young, and allows me to be active with them. I've had my grand daughter in the gym already, and can't wait to introduce the boys to it.
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Make sure you don't stunt their growth ;) cause you know that ALWAYS happens with lifting
 
Why?

To improve ... The same weight in every picture

2010 Great Lakes in Columbus

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2012 nationals In Pittsburgh

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Last Week Taken Upon Waking with 0 Pump.

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Looking to come in sharp in 2 weeks at the West Virginia
Only downside is a USP Labs Athlete will be in the LHW/HW Overall I can already guarantee it. I don't want to pose down with him!!!!
 
The Solution said:
Why?

To improve ... The same weight in every picture

2010 Great Lakes in Columbus

Invalid Link Removed

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2012 nationals In Pittsburgh

Invalid Link Removed

Invalid Link Removed

Last Week Taken Upon Waking with 0 Pump.

Invalid Link Removed

Looking to come in sharp in 2 weeks at the West Virginia
Only downside is a USP Labs Athlete will be in the LHW/HW Overall I can already guarantee it. I don't want to pose down with him!!!!
Click to expand...

I believe in you!!!
 
I lift because I love it! I am addicted to the pump in the gym when you look in the mirror and you look huge!!! I love that alpha feeling when you're where ever you may be and muscles are full, veins popping and just feel like the man. I love that feeling when you set a new PR on a lift and think about it all week until you hit that same muscle group just to set another PR. Straight OCD'ing and daydreaming about it. I lift because it is good for the mind, body and spirit. I lift because I like the adrenaline rush and the sweat. I lift because it trains my body and my mind to push myself to the limits. I lift because it keeps me busy and out of trouble (my papa always told me idle time is the devil). I lift because it keeps me active and healthy. I lift because in my late 20's/early 30s all my bad lifestyle decisions when I was young caught up to me. I lift because Id like to one day look like those muscle and fitness front cover magazine guys that'd just make girls bite their lip when they see you at the beach. I lift because i love it! (Oh, I said that already).
 
USPlabs asks WHY dO you LIFT? Share your "WHY" story and WIN BIGLY!

Some goodies from... USPLabs. Sup-porn in 3.2.1

That Modern Pre!!!

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Growing up I did a lot of sports. From hockey to football to competitive skateboarding/snowboarding. Then in high school I started partying, a lot. Got bad into it for years.

Then I cleaned up and starting lifting again. It has literally turned my life around.
 
Brandinooooo said:
Growing up I did a lot of sports. From hockey to football to competitive skateboarding/snowboarding. Then in high school I started partying, a lot. Got bad into it for years.

Then I cleaned up and starting lifting again. It has literally turned my life around.
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^^^ This guy deserves a metric sh1t ton of amazingness^^^
 
Brandinooooo said:
Growing up I did a lot of sports. From hockey to football to competitive skateboarding/snowboarding. Then in high school I started partying, a lot. Got bad into it for years.

Then I cleaned up and starting lifting again. It has literally turned my life around.
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Yes. Do we get to vote. :)
 
SFreed said:
I'm 53 and I have 4 reasons why I lift.
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My four grandkids that I want to be around for. Lifting keeps me young, and allows me to be active with them. I've had my grand daughter in the gym already, and can't wait to introduce the boys to it.
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Best reasons winner in my book
 
SFreed said:
I'm 53 and I have 4 reasons why I lift.
Invalid Link Removed

My four grandkids that I want to be around for. Lifting keeps me young, and allows me to be active with them. I've had my grand daughter in the gym already, and can't wait to introduce the boys to it.
Click to expand...

Awesome motivation to lift, cute grandkids like this deserve a strong grandpa!
 
My why? I love starting my day 5 days a week knowing I am bettering myself each time I go in. I have 3 boys and I want to be around for awhile. Going to the gym first thing in the morning gets my mind right for the rest of the day. I have done the hardest part of my day first thing in the morning. Everything else seems like cake. I love training and it is something I can pass to my children. My older boys (12 and 10), do pushups and pull-ups daily...lol

I just love it. It is the only thing I do for myself, it is the only thing I want to do for myself. I enjoy being strong. I enjoy being almost 37 and tripping people out because they think I am somewhere in my 20s. I enjoy that my wife of almost 10 years still gives me the naughty eyes when I go around her without my shirt.

You feel better, you look better, your outlook and confidence improve. I wish more people would give a real effort with it.
 
ryane87 said:
My why? I love starting my day 5 days a week knowing I am bettering myself each time I go in. I have 3 boys and I want to be around for awhile. Going to the gym first thing in the morning gets my mind right for the rest of the day. I have done the hardest part of my day first thing in the morning. Everything else seems like cake. I love training and it is something I can pass to my children. My older boys (12 and 10), do pushups and pull-ups daily...lol

I just love it. It is the only thing I do for myself, it is the only thing I want to do for myself. I enjoy being strong. I enjoy being almost 37 and tripping people out because they think I am somewhere in my 20s. I enjoy that my wife of almost 10 years still gives me the naughty eyes when I go around her without my shirt.

You feel better, you look better, your outlook and confidence improve. I wish more people would give a real effort with it.
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Nice that you encourage your boys to train, they will be thankful for that later on!

I love it too, when your wife gives me the naughty eyes. :)
 
This is why I lift;

It kept me from returning to jail and was a saving grace from God. You see, when I was 17 I started running with GDs. Which if you don't know, they're a gang that originated from Chicago and are wide spread now (GD is short for Gangster Disciple). From 17yr old until I was 21 i was robbing, selling drugs and scheming anyway to make a fast dollar. One week/weekend I decided to stay at the house and hangout with my middle brother instead of going to the east side of town.

Anthony took me to the gym that week.

After lifting for that week I realized I stayed sober. I didn't NEED drugs. After being sober for a year I decided to pick my bible up (This is where the discipline in lifting carried over) and began reading which lead me to ask for salvation and turn this empty vessel over. I got new life.

It all snow balled after lifting which was a blessing in disguise.

Now, lifting is my alternative to destruction.
 
tyga tyga said:
This is why I lift;

It kept me from returning to jail and was a saving grace from God. You see, when I was 17 I started running with GDs. Which if you don't know, they're a gang that originated from Chicago and are wide spread now (GD is short for Gangster Disciple). From 17yr old until I was 21 i was robbing, selling drugs and scheming anyway to make a fast dollar. One week/weekend I decided to stay at the house and hangout with my middle brother instead of going to the east side of town.

Anthony took me to the gym that week.

After lifting for that week I realized I stayed sober. I didn't NEED drugs. After being sober for a year I decided to pick my bible up (This is where the discipline in lifting carried over) and began reading which lead me to ask for salvation and turn this empty vessel over. I got new life.

It all snow balled after lifting which was a blessing in disguise.

Now, lifting is my alternative to destruction.
Click to expand...

My man you being a smile to this mans face! Love your story! Glad you moved forward and your journey has just begun.

Beautiful and inspired.
 
This question has many answers for me, during the 25 years ive spent lifting weight it has changed alot.

  • I was a skinny kid doing track and field from the age of 6. My parents trained me and decided i needed to put on more size so they signed me up at a gym before i was 12. I fell in love with it at once but had alot of misconceptions about how training worked so I always overdid it.
  • At 18 I was in the army and out of boredom and curiousity i bought my first FLEX magazine and a whole other world opened up to me. I started to read about how to train correctly, how to eat and even how to supplement. I remember me and an army buddy ordering some amino from a magazine in Norway and got it shipped to the base. When it arrived we got called infront of the Major and asked what it was, they thought it was a kg of drugs.
  • After my time on the army was over i didnt go back to track and field, now I wanted to put on muscle above everything else. I was working a couple of jobs to get enough money for food and reading everything i could possibly find about trening, diet and supplements. This paid off but not as I had expected, the owner of the gym i worked out at approached me and offered me a job. The gym then paid for a full personal trainer "education" for me and I got to work with what i loved.
  • In 2006 Classic Bodybuilding showed up in competitions here in Europe and I thought that i might be able to compete. As a natural I was always to small for open so I figured if i ever were to compete this was it. I came in shape but was out sized and didnt place, but I did what I wanted and it felt great. I competed under the banner of a supplement webshop and after the show they offered me a job. So that was the second time working out had opened up a carrier path for me.
  • For the next 10 years i worked at this webshop. After a few years I was the CEO and had my hands full. During that time I made sure to get my workouts done and food in so that i could be the best representative for the company. I loved it more than ever becuase of great results and because my life was pleasant. But I was missing something..
  • In september of 2015 i got a PM from a swedish woman on Instagram. We has been following each other for years, never really talking just commenting and liking pictures. She had competed that same year and I always though she looked and sounded great. Well, apparently she though the same about me and had started following me becuase of my physique. We started to get to know each other and quickly realized that apperanced aside our personalities matched perfectly.
  • 3 months later i went for my second visit to her and decided to stay. So now lifting had given me what i was missing, a partner, soul mate and best friend. We got engaged 6 months later and Ive never been happier.

So why do I lift NOW? Because lifting STILL gives me the same feeling it did all those years ago. I feel strong, young, full of energy, it takes me back but it has also taken me where I am now. I have a fantastic fiancee and her (now our) two kids are young and full of energy so I need to be sure to take care of my body so that i can take care of them. Also if the trend continous maybe working out will make me win the lottery as well!
 
TheMrMuscle said:
This question has many answers for me, during the 25 years ive spent lifting weight it has changed alot.

  • I was a skinny kid doing track and field from the age of 6. My parents trained me and decided i needed to put on more size so they signed me up at a gym before i was 12. I fell in love with it at once but had alot of misconceptions about how training worked so I always overdid it.
  • At 18 I was in the army and out of boredom and curiousity i bought my first FLEX magazine and a whole other world opened up to me. I started to read about how to train correctly, how to eat and even how to supplement. I remember me and an army buddy ordering some amino from a magazine in Norway and got it shipped to the base. When it arrived we got called infront of the Major and asked what it was, they thought it was a kg of drugs.
  • After my time on the army was over i didnt go back to track and field, now I wanted to put on muscle above everything else. I was working a couple of jobs to get enough money for food and reading everything i could possibly find about trening, diet and supplements. This paid off but not as I had expected, the owner of the gym i worked out at approached me and offered me a job. The gym then paid for a full personal trainer "education" for me and I got to work with what i loved.
  • In 2006 Classic Bodybuilding showed up in competitions here in Europe and I thought that i might be able to compete. As a natural I was always to small for open so I figured if i ever were to compete this was it. I came in shape but was out sized and didnt place, but I did what I wanted and it felt great. I competed under the banner of a supplement webshop and after the show they offered me a job. So that was the second time working out had opened up a carrier path for me.
  • For the next 10 years i worked at this webshop. After a few years I was the CEO and had my hands full. During that time I made sure to get my workouts done and food in so that i could be the best representative for the company. I loved it more than ever becuase of great results and because my life was pleasant. But I was missing something..
  • In september of 2015 i got a PM from a swedish woman on Instagram. We has been following each other for years, never really talking just commenting and liking pictures. She had competed that same year and I always though she looked and sounded great. Well, apparently she though the same about me and had started following me becuase of my physique. We started to get to know each other and quickly realized that apperanced aside our personalities matched perfectly.
  • 3 months later i went for my second visit to her and decided to stay. So now lifting had given me what i was missing, a partner, soul mate and best friend. We got engaged 6 months later and Ive never been happier.

So why do I lift NOW? Because lifting STILL gives me the same feeling it did all those years ago. I feel strong, young, full of energy, it takes me back but it has also taken me where I am now. I have a fantastic fiancee and her (now our) two kids are young and full of energy so I need to be sure to take care of my body so that i can take care of them. Also if the trend continous maybe working out will make me win the lottery as well!
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What a beautiful story. I want to send you something now. Lol.
 
I used to lift because I wanted to look good in my younger (and single) days, but now reason is different....

I lift because I have a family to protect and I want to be the biggest and strongest version of myself that I possibly can - my wife and 2 boys are everything to me. I want anybody that even thinks about starting trouble to fear for their life and second guess themselves when they see me.

There is always gonna be somebody stronger, but I lift so that the margin of that percentage is as low as possible.

That is why I lift. Why do you lift?
 
tyga tyga said:
This is why I lift;

It kept me from returning to jail and was a saving grace from God. You see, when I was 17 I started running with GDs. Which if you don't know, they're a gang that originated from Chicago and are wide spread now (GD is short for Gangster Disciple). From 17yr old until I was 21 i was robbing, selling drugs and scheming anyway to make a fast dollar. One week/weekend I decided to stay at the house and hangout with my middle brother instead of going to the east side of town.

Anthony took me to the gym that week.

After lifting for that week I realized I stayed sober. I didn't NEED drugs. After being sober for a year I decided to pick my bible up (This is where the discipline in lifting carried over) and began reading which lead me to ask for salvation and turn this empty vessel over. I got new life.

It all snow balled after lifting which was a blessing in disguise.

Now, lifting is my alternative to destruction.
Click to expand...

Beautiful testimony brother!! Be proud
 
tyga tyga said:
This is why I lift;

It kept me from returning to jail and was a saving grace from God. You see, when I was 17 I started running with GDs. Which if you don't know, they're a gang that originated from Chicago and are wide spread now (GD is short for Gangster Disciple). From 17yr old until I was 21 i was robbing, selling drugs and scheming anyway to make a fast dollar. One week/weekend I decided to stay at the house and hangout with my middle brother instead of going to the east side of town.

Anthony took me to the gym that week.

After lifting for that week I realized I stayed sober. I didn't NEED drugs. After being sober for a year I decided to pick my bible up (This is where the discipline in lifting carried over) and began reading which lead me to ask for salvation and turn this empty vessel over. I got new life.

It all snow balled after lifting which was a blessing in disguise.

Now, lifting is my alternative to destruction.
Click to expand...
Awesome story!!!
 
justhere4comm said:
My man you being a smile to this mans face! Love your story! Glad you moved forward and your journey has just begun.

Beautiful and inspired.
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Thanks!

It's been great. I met my wife at my church five years ago (28 now) we have a beautiful 1yr old, have been off drugs (benzos were my drug of choice, nothing I consider "hard" ; heroine etc. all drugs are bad though, don't get me wrong lol) for 7 years? Minus the small stint of pain killers I was on when I broke my hand.

Gods been good to me!
 
tyga tyga said:
Thanks!

It's been great. I met my wife at my church five years ago (28 now) we have a beautiful 1yr old, have been off drugs (benzos were my drug of choice, nothing I consider "hard" ; heroine etc. all drugs are bad though, don't get me wrong lol) for 7 years? Minus the small stint of pain killers I was on when I broke my hand.

Gods been good to me!
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And to get out of where you were is SO hard. Street gangs are a hard thing to break from
 
I lift for personal health. That probably sounds gay, hah. But when I was 17-18 I got rear ended by an 18 wheeler and needed back surgery and ended up with a DVT post surgery. Dropped down to 90 lbs bc all I could eat was Jello while I was in the hospitals for 2 or 3 months. Friends called me Bones after bc I looked like an anorexic Paris Hilton lol.

Anyway, now I lift to stay healthy and prevent any future injury. I don't wanna be limited with what I can and can't do whenever I have kids. I don't wanna not be able to play baseball with my kids and such bc I'm crippled or in pain
I've had to alter my training style a lot to get stuff thats comfortable.

I have no interest in competing or anything. Just trying to be fit and healthy and avoid future injury.
 
David Dunn said:
Congratulations!

Like yourself I began my substance abuse early. Before I was 14 I have a weed habit. Alcohol and powders by 19. I struggled with abandonment and abuse issues which lead to self esteem issues as well as a lot of pain and anger. At the end I nearly lost my family and life to alcohol putting together multiple felony DUI in a one year period. Prison gave me the opportunity I needed to process my issues and find peace. I began my fitness lifestyle in the DOC and it's been 15 years now.

My full testimony is somewhere within these forum pages :)
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As I've seen more posts by you guys i realized that this reason was the beginning of my lifting career. As time has gone by I have had many other reasons as well.

It fulfills my mind, body and spirit.

As an engineer I enjoy meticulous logging and planning workouts with great attention to details. Creating spread sheets and analyzing my goals and progress is great for my mind. I find few vocational endeavors that sustain satisfaction as well.

Attaining training and body composition goals is quite fulfilling. I was the chubby kid and in the 80's the powder influenced starved skinny guy.

The successes with the above allow me to live with a spirit that can at times transcend my circumstances. I enjoy sharing this with guys and gals who need encouragement to conquer issues or attain their goals.

Today I continue to lift because I'm still her father and role model:
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and these guys grandfather:
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Thanks guys for reminding me of the blessings in my life and the positive impact we have had and still do in other peoples lives. Its been a while since I've bragged on my family on the board. It feels good.

I'm a retired USPLabs supplement junkie (Anabolic Pump, Recreate, PowerFull, OxyElite, etc.) and they were my primary go to and referral back in my day because of their efficacious quality products and generosity. They were good times! :)
 
David Dunn said:
As I've seen more posts by you guys i realized that this reason was the beginning of my lifting career. As time has gone by I have had many other reasons as well.

It fulfills my mind, body and spirit.

As an engineer I enjoy meticulous logging and planning workouts with great attention to details. Creating spread sheets and analyzing my goals and progress is great for my mind. I find few vocational endeavors that sustain satisfaction as well.

Attaining training and body composition goals is quite fulfilling. I was the chubby kid and in the 80's the powder influenced starved skinny guy.

The successes with the above allow me to live with a spirit that can at times transcend my circumstances. I enjoy sharing this with guys and gals who need encouragement to conquer issues or attain their goals.

Today I continue to lift because I'm still her father and role model:
Invalid Link Removed
Invalid Link Removed
and these guys grandfather:
Invalid Link Removed
Invalid Link Removed

Thanks guys for reminding me of the blessings in my life and the positive impact we have had and still do in other peoples lives. Its been a while since I've bragged on my family on the board. It feels good.

I'm a retired USPLabs supplement junkie (Anabolic Pump, Recreate, PowerFull, OxyElite, etc.) and they were my primary go to and referral back in my day because of their efficacious quality products and generosity. They were good times! :)
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Truth.
 
I lift to prove my wife wrong. Seriously. When I started lifting she said I would never keep at it. It was that motivation that gave me a reason to change. Someone to be accountable to. So yea, I lift so I can finally be right in our marriage. Because I'm never right lol
 
It's amazing the common bonds a lot of us share. Feels good to be part of such a solid group of people. Thanks to USPLabs for starting the thread that points out just how blessed I am, and thanks to you guys for sharing.
 
ryane87 said:
And to get out of where you were is SO hard. Street gangs are a hard thing to break from
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This took leaving town for a month and severing ties when I came back. But, i don't have any animosity nor do they towards me. When and if, I run into them we're still kosher just different life's and different "codes" now.
 
tyga tyga said:
This took leaving town for a month and severing ties when I came back. But, i don't have any animosity nor do they towards me. When and if, I run into them we're still kosher just different life's and different "codes" now.
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You are fortunate then. Definitely blessed!
 
I lift for numerous reason. I was the throughout elementary to high school that could not do a single pull up every year for the fitness challenges. I have a strong family history of heart problems and diabetes and did not want to be the person my children warned their children about as far as health.

I began lifting weights and getting in decent shape towards the end of my time in high school. Shortly after leaving high school I joined the Marine Corps and fitness became somewhat mandatory. Once I started doing pull ups I quickly became obsessed and never performed less than 20 on the pft.

After joining the Marines I got married and have two kids. I am no longer in the Marine Corps, but am in law enforcement which drives me to continue my fitness. The number one driving factor at the moment are my wife and kids. I never want anything to happen to them that I could prevent had I been lifting. My father has always been a role model to me and throughout my childhood was one of the strongest of all my friends parents. It is not the sole reason I respected him, but I was never worried for my safety when I was around him, which is exactly how I want my kids to feel.
 
USPlabs asks WHY dO you LIFT? Share your "WHY" story and WIN BIGLY!

I was sitting on my deck today and thinking of this question again. Something was nipping at me and I couldn't quite place it until now. I actually had the time to sit and consider why I began lifting all those years ago. Before I came down to Florida and began my journey taking care of my parents, and losing all of those 60 lbs gained.

I started working out quite early in my childhood. It was a response to a relationship I had with my cousin and best friend Kenny. You see, Kenny had muscular dystrophy and we were inseparable. I would often go to his home and we as children would play in the pool, the only place where he could escape the braces on his legs. He inspired me then because he was really smart, and after enduring many painful surgeries had the great spirit of laughter that made me feel humbled yet honored to be his best friend.

Kenny passed away when he was 13, and it is a time that has been ever forged into my memory. They didn't permit me to see him in the hospital because he was in such a bad way, and they couldn't allow me to see this. I held anger for a while after this, but it was subdued from the effect of his death and the void it contained. It was soon after I began to commit myself to a form of self-punishment in an effort to justify my own existence and answer the question why not me? Why him? He was better than I was. I was fearful of the dark, and easily frightened, and he was brave and always cheerful.

When I entered High School, I decided to tryout fort he football team. It's funny because I was less than 90 lbs as a freshman. I proudly walked into the classroom where all the hopefuls gathered to see whom would be chosen. Almost immediately I was summoned to leave the room by the coach as he walked me next door... confused and intimidated, I just did. We entered a room full of what I would consider 'leftovers' or 'rejects' from the football team. It was the wrestling group, and the coach smiled when he spotted me. He said, I think we have our fill of 98 pounders! Your in kid!

Best thing that could have happened to me. This man took me in, and changed my life for the better since that one day. As a young man filled with vim and vinegar, I was given a way to channel my anger, and learn to control my fears. It was then, I learned how to lift properly, and it inspired me.

I asked for a 110lb weight set with a bench. The kind you fill with sand. That was a new beginning for me, and it offered me a challenge to overcome that superseded all other wasteful things such as anger. After lifting I found an inner peace that I had long yearned for, and it made me reflective. A reflection necessary to forgive myself for having that anger about my cousin's death. I could finally openly cry, and it was like a weight had been lifted from my soul.

I cannot and will not trade my alone time in the gym ever again. It has been and always will be a sanctuary where I can face the demons with strength, and conquer my fears. I'm not a religious person, but I am still allowed to believe in God, and Angels. My cousin watches over me, as do my parents, and I recognize how much it means in my life.

Thank you for the chance to reflect on an ironclad resolve I gifted to myself all those years ago. I couldn't have wished for anything better.

Edit: That was exhausting.
Plus: like I said before but wish to add. I've won my good share and don't wish to take away from anyone here. You're all so great and deserving.

If you were to consider me one of the winners I ask you consider another.

I would love it if USPlabs could send something to my brother in Chicago. Anything would be great. My post honors him as well. I don't want anything.

Thank you again for a great thread. That exercise made me feel as if I already won.
 
Last edited:
I'll make this short and sleep.

Originally, I got into lifting because I was the fat kid in high school. I started out by walking around my neighborhood after school, but still ate the same crap, just less of it. I entered my freshmen year at 240 pounds and by the beginning of my sophomore year, I was down nearly 70 pounds. The rest of my time in high school, I educated myself on nutrition and lifting and consistently started lifting when I graduated from high school.

Now I lift for two reasons. First, I like to see how far I can mentally and physically push myself. Lifting accomplishes both of those things. Additionally, lifting is my way to de=stress. Some people smoke, some people drink, some people gamble and I lift to get the stress out of me.
 
AntM1564 said:
I'll make this short and sleep.

Originally, I got into lifting because I was the fat kid in high school. I started out by walking around my neighborhood after school, but still ate the same crap, just less of it. I entered my freshmen year at 240 pounds and by the beginning of my sophomore year, I was down nearly 70 pounds. The rest of my time in high school, I educated myself on nutrition and lifting and consistently started lifting when I graduated from high school.

Now I lift for two reasons. First, I like to see how far I can mentally and physically push myself. Lifting accomplishes both of those things. Additionally, lifting is my way to de=stress. Some people smoke, some people drink, some people gamble and I lift to get the stress out of me.
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Nice and concisely written. Hey we have the same target weight. Only I have to go down to it. Lol.
 
andrewski48 said:
I lift for numerous reason. I was the throughout elementary to high school that could not do a single pull up every year for the fitness challenges. I have a strong family history of heart problems and diabetes and did not want to be the person my children warned their children about as far as health.

I began lifting weights and getting in decent shape towards the end of my time in high school. Shortly after leaving high school I joined the Marine Corps and fitness became somewhat mandatory. Once I started doing pull ups I quickly became obsessed and never performed less than 20 on the pft.

After joining the Marines I got married and have two kids. I am no longer in the Marine Corps, but am in law enforcement which drives me to continue my fitness. The number one driving factor at the moment are my wife and kids. I never want anything to happen to them that I could prevent had I been lifting. My father has always been a role model to me and throughout my childhood was one of the strongest of all my friends parents. It is not the sole reason I respected him, but I was never worried for my safety when I was around him, which is exactly how I want my kids to feel.
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Nice write up bro! As an Official Red Liner, I have to support my Blue Line brothers!!
 
justhere4comm said:
I was sitting on my deck today and thinking of this question again. Something was nipping at me and I couldn't quite place it until now. I actually had the time to sit and consider why I began lifting all those years ago. Before I came down to Florida and began my journey taking care of my parents, and losing all of those 60 lbs gained.

I started working out quite early in my childhood. It was a response to a relationship I had with my cousin and best friend Kenny. You see, Kenny had muscular dystrophy and we were inseparable. I would often go to his home and we as children would play in the pool, the only place where he could escape the braces on his legs. He inspired me then because he was really smart, and after enduring many painful surgeries had the great spirit of laughter that made me feel humbled yet honored to be his best friend.

Kenny passed away when he was 13, and it is a time that has been ever forged into my memory. They didn't permit me to see him in the hospital because he was in such a bad way, and they couldn't allow me to see this. I held anger for a while after this, but it was subdued from the effect of his death and the void it contained. It was soon after I began to commit myself to a form of self-punishment in an effort to justify my own existence and answer the question why not me? Why him? He was better than I was. I was fearful of the dark, and easily frightened, and he was brave and always cheerful.

When I entered High School, I decided to tryout fort he football team. It's funny because I was less than 90 lbs as a freshman. I proudly walked into the classroom where all the hopefuls gathered to see whom would be chosen. Almost immediately I was summoned to leave the room by the coach as he walked me next door... confused and intimidated, I just did. We entered a room full of what I would consider 'leftovers' or 'rejects' from the football team. It was the wrestling group, and the coach smiled when he spotted me. He said, I think we have our fill of 98 pounders! Your in kid!

Best thing that could have happened to me. This man took me in, and changed my life for the better since that one day. As a young man filled with vim and vinegar, I was given a way to channel my anger, and learn to control my fears. It was then, I learned how to lift properly, and it inspired me.

I asked for a 110lb weight set with a bench. The kind you fill with sand. That was a new beginning for me, and it offered me a challenge to overcome that superseded all other wasteful things such as anger. After lifting I found an inner peace that I had long yearned for, and it made me reflective. A reflection necessary to forgive myself for having that anger about my cousin's death. I could finally openly cry, and it was like a weight had been lifted from my soul.

I cannot and will not trade my alone time in the gym ever again. It has been and always will be a sanctuary where I can face the demons with strength, and conquer my fears. I'm not a religious person, but I am still allowed to believe in God, and Angels. My cousin watches over me, as do my parents, and I recognize how much it means in my life.

Thank you for the chance to reflect on an ironclad resolve I gifted to myself all those years ago. I couldn't have wished for anything better.

Edit: That was exhausting.
Plus: like I said before but wish to add. I've won my good share and don't wish to take away from anyone here. You're all so great and deserving.

If you were to consider me one of the winners I ask you consider another.

I would love it if USPlabs could send something to my brother in Chicago. Anything would be great. My post honors him as well. I don't want anything.

Thank you again for a great thread. That exercise made me feel as if I already won.
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What? You didnt think you were enough of a rockstar to me that you had to add all that in? Nicely done NaBROlean Dynamite
 
FireTitan said:
What? You didnt think you were enough of a rockstar to me that you had to add all that in? Nicely done NaBROlean Dynamite
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I think I was considering someone else too by writing that. Thank you much bromethius!

Love that "NaBROlean Dynamite@!
 
Wow, this thing blew up fast! lol

Have to say, it's great reading all of these stories and hearing where people have started, what they've came through and what pushes you all onward.

I love AM and as always, great to see USP in on this because they always go above and beyond.
 
MidwestBeast said:
Wow, this thing blew up fast! lol

Have to say, it's great reading all of these stories and hearing where people have started, what they've came through and what pushes you all onward.

I love AM and as always, great to see USP in on this because they always go above and beyond.
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Their promos always blow up quick
 
andrewski48 said:
I lift for numerous reason. I was the throughout elementary to high school that could not do a single pull up every year for the fitness challenges. I have a strong family history of heart problems and diabetes and did not want to be the person my children warned their children about as far as health.

I began lifting weights and getting in decent shape towards the end of my time in high school. Shortly after leaving high school I joined the Marine Corps and fitness became somewhat mandatory. Once I started doing pull ups I quickly became obsessed and never performed less than 20 on the pft.

After joining the Marines I got married and have two kids. I am no longer in the Marine Corps, but am in law enforcement which drives me to continue my fitness. The number one driving factor at the moment are my wife and kids. I never want anything to happen to them that I could prevent had I been lifting. My father has always been a role model to me and throughout my childhood was one of the strongest of all my friends parents. It is not the sole reason I respected him, but I was never worried for my safety when I was around him, which is exactly how I want my kids to feel.
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Kill bodies S/F
 
Awesome and inspiring stories here! Good health and longevity to you all!!!
 
At my age of 56 I lift for my family's sake.

There is no freaking way I'm going into old age as an unhealthy and incapable man that can't even lift his grandchild! I firmly believe we are like sharks - when you stop moving, you start dying!

There are so many of my friends and family that are weak and unhealthy that they are going to need someone STRONG to rely on.

I'd rather go into old age with my eyes wide open and my strength in the ready.
 
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