Body Image and Fitness

[Faeelin]

Not sure if this goes in the Fitness 2012 thread, but what the hell.

So for the past year or so, I've been on a health kick, and it's shown a marked improvement. I can bench double what I used to (150, but hey, I'll take it), I can run 8 miles consistently, etc.

But, I've been told by a few people that if I want to "improve", I should gain some weight to acquire more muscle mass. My body fat percent is somewhere between 6 and 9%, so they're right that there's really a way to build muscle without gaining weight. But is there a point to doing it?

What makes you want to work out?

[CountDeMoney]

But, I've been told by a few people that if I want to "improve", I should gain some weight to acquire more muscle mass. My body fat percent is somewhere between 6 and 9%, so they're right that there's really a way to build muscle without gaining weight. But is there a point to doing it?

Do what you feel comfortable with.  You like the way you look?  Keep it that way.

What makes you want to work out?

When I gave a shit and big into bodybuilding after high school and in college I was benching 400 when I weighed 190, but that was over 20 years and many, many pairs of Levis ago. 

But I've lifted my last weight.  I'm too tired now.  Don't really give a shit anymore.

Besides, it totally fucks with my smoking.

[Legbiter]

I fought the battle of the Bulge with Paleo and won. Now I just want to do the bare minimum to look like I'm fit. 

So I do heavy lifting twice a week and one day of sprints. Bam, I'm done.

[Caliga]

I just got my yellow belt in karate a few weeks ago.

[Camerus]

I've gone from Spartan tastes and concomitant thinness in my teens and early mid 20's to something of a lazy ass whose belly is starting to get noticeable.  And I don't really give a fuck anymore - not sure why.  Whether the status quo will continue, get worse or whether I'll eventually start caring, I can't say. 

Until then, I'll have another beer and a large pepperoni pizza (for delivery, so I don't have to walk there).

[Brazen]

Congrats on achieving such a low BF%. Pics plz

Depends what you want to improve. Building muscle mass won't help you run faster over distance but it'll make you look hotter in a tight t-shirt. My body building buddies say you need to do a bulk then cut. Increase calories and protein while bulking, and lift a bit heavier with reduced reps. You will build muscle alongside fat and water retention. Then do the cut by reducing calories to cut fat while continuing to retain muscle through heavy lifting. You can't build muscle while at a calorific deficit.

Me? I don't want to look or feel middle-aged.

[Josquius]

Muscles aren't cool. I've never really wanted to be beefy. Just a little bit of muscle would do me. Wanting to be fit is far more about losing the gut and being able to do physical activities for however long I feel like.

[Eddie Teach]

Muscles aren't cool. I've never really wanted to be beefy. Just a little bit of muscle would do me. Wanting to be fit is far more about losing the gut and being able to do physical activities for however long I feel like.

This is why they need to reopen the mines, Josquius and his peers have gotten soft. 

[crazy canuck]

But, I've been told by a few people that if I want to "improve", I should gain some weight to acquire more muscle mass. My body fat percent is somewhere between 6 and 9%, so they're right that there's really a way to build muscle without gaining weight. But is there a point to doing it?

What makes you want to work out?

Naw, you dont need to increase your body fat percentage to gain muscle mass.  I stayed around 9% while gaining about 40lbs of muscle back in the day.  You will of course gain weight as you gain muscle but you dont need to gain any fat.  Just do more reps and keep the rest of your fitness regime intact.

@Brazen, my guess is your muscle building buddies are into building bulkier muscles.  Might look good to some but doesnt really help with overall fitness or athletic ability  - unless playing American Football as a Lineman.  Also, once it is on they have to keep working at it or it will turn to flab pretty quickly.  Better to work for the lean muscle definition over bulk.

@ Faeelin,

What keeps me working out now - fear of death or early incapacitation.

[CountDeMoney]

Also, once it is on they have to keep working at it or it will turn to flab pretty quickly. 

I can attest to that.

[Iormlund]

I It's not so much of an image thing for me. I've had more success being sickly thin than fit.

It's about quality of life, basically. Mostly less back pain and less fatigue.

[Zanza]

What makes you want to work out?

I am currently trying to get in shape for a two-week trekking tour in Nepal in November. Mainly running regularly. About 5-6 miles every other day.

[The Brain]

I don't read physique magazines.

[garbon]

Muscles aren't cool. I've never really wanted to be beefy. Just a little bit of muscle would do me. Wanting to be fit is far more about losing the gut and being able to do physical activities for however long I feel like.

This is why they need to reopen the mines, Josquius and his peers have gotten soft. 

Yes, so that they don't have time to make bizarre pronouncements like "Muscles aren't cool."  Or at least, if they do, they'll be somewhere that no one can hear them.

[Darth Wagtaros]

Power Yoger. But Im still fat and unattractive.