What made you start working out?

[Fuzzyrob]

3 month just passed since I registered to a gym membership and PT.

As I see so many guys with good bod and handsome face, started to wonder what made them start working out?

 

 

For me, I was fat and ugly with very low self-esteem to approach and meet anyone, but I wanted to fuck. So I came to the conclusion that I have to change myself to love myself more. It felt unfair to ask someone to like me when I don't like myself haha...

[strategicthrust]

A blunt but well-intentioned remark by my colleague some years back:

 

"If you don't start exercising you'll end up looking like Colleague B."

 

Colleague B was in his mid-40s, handsome face but pear-shaped body.

 

That week i signed up for a gym membership and PT and I have not stopped going to the gym every week since then.

 

Atb for your personal fitness journey. When you notice your gains (no matter how small), it will keep you striving for better.

[fresh7up]

I was a scrawny kid, a hard gainer and easily lose weight. Until I decided to overload on my carbs intake and hit the gym at the same time in my early 20s.

I gain some 20kg within a period of 6 months from 55kg to 75kg with my height of 182cm. My highest weight achievement was 88kg but it when down to 75kg++.

Now in my early 40s, friends and stranger commented I look late 20s. I exercise regularly 6 times a week and still consume whey, casine, mass gainer (to maintain my ideal weight around 75kg, I still a hard gainer despite reaching 40. And to maintain my muscle mass.)

My primary goal of working out now is not to get guys to have fun with me (quitted that 2 years back) now it's more to maintain strength in my 40s and to look good wearing clothes. 

[sphere]

Nice @Fuzzyrob, had wanted to start this topic but always 'forgot' about it, haha.

 

Well, once I started working, had not done any exercises at all for the longest time. No offence to anyone, was never an oversized person but I did grew a bit horizontally over time (obviously, since I did not workout). Every time I told myself I would start to workout 'next year' and it didn't happen, haha.

 

Finally came one day when I checked my BMI (not the best indicator, but a good thing to start with) and it was on the 'overweight' range. Kind of 'panic' and my pants were also tight by then - so I realised "it is time to start NOW". I started a 10-session PT with Safra and then I was on my own since, never regret it, in fact was 'blaming' myself for those years I procrastinated, haha. I reduced a good 10-11kg to about 70kg within 4-6 months after I started working out, and keeping within that range ever since.

 

@strategicthrust was right, I definitely like that little achievement I've got, and still trying to improve further. My personal suggestion for all is at least to get ready the 2Ds = "Determination & Discipline", which I think would be the important 'ingredients' to your successes. Cheers!

 

[ziurtis]

Saw my reflection when taking a bus at night 3 years ago. Didn’t like how I looked and all

the body image issues I used to have just resurfaced at that moment. Only difference was as it was during heightened alert period, all the excuses about not having time for exercise due to commitments were no longer valid. Started slow but managed to stick to it and now have it has become a routine.  Honestly, I’ve never felt better. 

[radiusulnar]

When I couldn't bear to look at myself in the mirror anymore 

[GWTW]

Have the idea that I will be alone when aging~~ so wanna retain as much muscle mass as possible 😅

[Fuzzyrob]

Wa so I'm the only one with dirty motivation la...

[radiusulnar]

4 hours ago, Fuzzyrob said:

dirty motivation

 

On 12/2/2024 at 12:40 PM, Fuzzyrob said:

change myself to love myself more.

 

This is a good motivation. Not a dirty one

[fresh7up]

5 hours ago, Fuzzyrob said:

Wa so I'm the only one with dirty motivation la...

Maybe you're still young and have not had enough of s×x. Liked I've said, as we age we lose bone density, muscle mass and collagen. Regular exercises helps in retaining these when we aged. And most of us will be living alone so yea it also helps to give us energy to do the cleaning and daily activities etc.

Edited December 3, 2024 by fresh7up

[Fuzzyrob]

1 hour ago, radiusulnar said:

 

 

This is a good motivation. Not a dirty one

 

Thank you for filtering my dirty words nicely haha...

 

1 hour ago, fresh7up said:

Maybe you're still young and have not had enough of s×x. Liked I've said, as we age we lose bone density, muscle mass and collagen. Regular exercises helps in retaining these when we aged. And most of us will be living alone so yea it also helps to give us energy to do the cleaning and daily activities etc.

 

Yes. I can feel that as I see my older colleagues suffering from health issues. And hopefully I will become brave enough soon to get my first Sxx!

[radiusulnar]

bone and muscle wasting away when older. that's really thinking and planning ahead! a good reminder though that time is our biggest enemy

[egal]

apparently u start losing muscle mass starting from age thirty or so

 

workout means goin to gm, rite

Edited December 4, 2024 by egal

[Thatguy642]

On 12/3/2024 at 3:36 PM, Fuzzyrob said:

Wa so I'm the only one with dirty motivation la...

Nah to be honest I love it when people touch my muscles so one of the reasons I go to the gym is to get bigger and stronger and more solid so people can enjoy my body more. It’s a bit of a slutty thought and not something I’d readily share in real life haha but yeah.

[janamacon]

When I first started working out, I wasn’t happy with how I looked either, and I knew I needed to make some changes—not just for others, but for myself. For me, it was about building confidence and feeling better in my own skin. Along with hitting the gym, I also started focusing more on all natural food, like fresh fruits, veggies, and lean proteins. The difference it made in my energy levels and mood was huge! It’s a journey, and the most important thing is learning to appreciate and love yourself along the way.

Edited December 19, 2024 by janamacon

[radiusulnar]

On 12/12/2024 at 3:39 PM, Thatguy642 said:

It’s a bit of a slutty thought and not something I’d readily share in real life haha but yeah.

Kudos for verbalising what many think but paiseh to say

[repressednerd]

I just wanted to look good in a suit, or even office wear. But I'm still far from that.

[radiusulnar]

4 hours ago, repressednerd said:

look good in a suit, or even office wear

 

Yeah. it's quite tough to look good in exec wear. Need to have a broad shoulders thick back with nice V taper to tight waist, and then flare out to thick thighs in trousers.

[almondtea_lover]

The initial motivation for me is to slim down my face as it's very round and I look old and tired. Also wanted to look good with or without clothing, so can give good impression to people.
After 30, I realized that my energy levels are drastically dropping, so had to exercise and eat less unhealthy food so that I don't feel tired all the time

[egal]

i admire those with hott bods, be it those i see in swimming pools, on the street or the r and r above me etc

[musclelover98]

pretty superficial, but i really like muscular man, and they like muscular man too, so that why I get my motivation from 

[Thatguy642]

7 hours ago, musclelover98 said:

pretty superficial, but i really like muscular man, and they like muscular man too, so that why I get my motivation from 

Nah I know some muscular guys who are into chubbier and/or skinnier guys as well. But we should definitely work out anyway for our health  

[iKneadyou]

I was looking to value add myself by having a new interest/hobby and was looking for something I can do solo. Went to the gym by accident actually

[bluerunner]

On 12/3/2024 at 9:55 PM, radiusulnar said:

bone and muscle wasting away when older. that's really thinking and planning ahead! a good reminder though that time is our biggest enemy

Yes...very true. Google "sarcopenia" and you will see what it is.

After a certain age, we also do not gain so easily like when we were in our 20s or 30s. But that does not mean, there is no motivation to go to the gym. We will need to exercise to make sure that we have enough muscles to hold us up firmly, to let us carry on w our daily essentials.

Well, at least that's my mentality now. Of course, any muscle gains is a PLUS. 😄

[camboy_xxx1]

when I see ny weight gaining and fats accumulating, we have to do something as we aged

[20wannajotgt]

for me the whole reason I started working out was basically just to fit into tight and fashionable clothes. But ever since I got slim and, idk, kinda fit, I’ve also started taking care of my style, looks, and personality, and yeah… people have been treating me sooo much better, kinder, nicer and also respect, compliments are flying left and right, and people are just way nicer to me compared to when I was overweight and, ill be real, kinda ugly. so yeah i think taking care of your health do have soo much benefits 😂, no cons cause i still eat burgers and im just fine 🙈

[Allons-y]

i started hanging out with this super cute buff guy with nice dick from work a lot and i wanted to be like him. also i think if i dont lose weight, he will stop hanging out with me. then after exercising a lot, losing weight, i realised i'm not as breathless and dont feel as hot as i used to. can also start seeing physical change in my body that i never did before. then i just stuck with it. cos i started enjoying the gym. and i sleep better and its good for my mental health. 

[naked_boi]

started this workout/keep fit/slim/trim/lean thingy couple years back when there was too much sugar and carbo

and it made me drowsy easily; to the point of hitting the REM mode just by lying down.

then came the clanger : once was lying down half-drowsy after a very carbo-ey dinner

with my tank top scrunched up revealing my 4-month preggers belly and the ex said i was grotesque.

 

that's it. went on this path of being always lean, toned and never looked back.

that all being said, still a work in progress and constantly fighting the flab haha

 

 

[tkkt86]

Wasn’t much into sports while in school. Only started exercising during NS actually. Because I was in a stay-in unit, my bunk mates and I got into working out just to make sure we pass IPPT (I’m sure a lot of us can empathise with this 😆). 
 

But I didn’t really have a fitness plan until halfway through uni. When I discovered that I enjoyed doing powerlifting workouts when I spent a semester overseas.
 

Then for the longest time, I was one of the Kinda-fit-kinda-fluffy guys (also a powerlifter stereotype 😅). It was only during COVID that I cleaned up my nutrition and got lean. Then since then, been on a few cut/bulk cycles just to see how much I can push my ‘aging’ body. 
 

 

[Simplethoughts]

Started working out to have more energy for family.

[radiusulnar]

7 hours ago, tkkt86 said:

powerlifter stereotype

 

strong!!

[tkkt86]

1 minute ago, radiusulnar said:

 

strong!!

Haha. Ok la. Not that strong these days 🥲

[radiusulnar]

5 minutes ago, tkkt86 said:

Haha. Ok la. Not that strong these days 🥲

 

stronger than majority of the population with that core.

[AsiaDreamer]

For health and also vanity sake as I grew older lol 😂 

[radiusulnar]

14 minutes ago, AsiaDreamer said:

vanity sake

 

I must confess to this too

[del_ta]

After my ex wife left me for her personal trainer, and he called me pale, fat and balding when I confronted him and struggled weakly when he manhandled me. 

[egal]

harsh

 

 

 

for me just for fun

[swimboi]

On 1/28/2025 at 5:58 PM, Allons-y said:

i started hanging out with this super cute buff guy with nice dick from work a lot and i wanted to be like him. also i think if i dont lose weight, he will stop hanging out with me. then after exercising a lot, losing weight, i realised i'm not as breathless and dont feel as hot as i used to. can also start seeing physical change in my body that i never did before. then i just stuck with it. cos i started enjoying the gym. and i sleep better and its good for my mental health. 

Hold up, how were you two hanging out and your find out he has a nice dick? Haha 

[abcwater]

A few trigger points i think contributed to the "obsession" of working out
- I like to look good

- Used to be laughed at and picked during childhood for being weak and scrawny

- Accidentally stumbling upon a stack of bodybuilding magazines 

- Rejected and ghosted multiple times by people with fit and muscular physique

- I enjoy the moment of peace and concentration when working out

 

The rest was history

[abcwater]

On 2/2/2025 at 8:22 AM, tkkt86 said:

Wasn’t much into sports while in school. Only started exercising during NS actually. Because I was in a stay-in unit, my bunk mates and I got into working out just to make sure we pass IPPT (I’m sure a lot of us can empathise with this 😆). 
 

But I didn’t really have a fitness plan until halfway through uni. When I discovered that I enjoyed doing powerlifting workouts when I spent a semester overseas.
 

Then for the longest time, I was one of the Kinda-fit-kinda-fluffy guys (also a powerlifter stereotype 😅). It was only during COVID that I cleaned up my nutrition and got lean. Then since then, been on a few cut/bulk cycles just to see how much I can push my ‘aging’ body. 
 

 

Same! cleaned up diet during COVID since gyms were all closed and it was the only thing I could do. Feels good to finally see the rocks built under the layers of mud right hahaha. Felt a lot lighter and healthier too and blood pressure came back to good level. 

[Allons-y]

14 hours ago, swimboi said:

Hold up, how were you two hanging out and your find out he has a nice dick? Haha 

we went onsen together often when we were in japan. amazing willpower to not get hard in front of him lol

[radiusulnar]

18 hours ago, abcwater said:

cleaned up diet

Care to share? And what was pace of fat loss? Months? Need help to curb my fat genes 

[abcwater]

18 hours ago, radiusulnar said:

Care to share? And what was pace of fat loss? Months? Need help to curb my fat genes 

yea minor but consistent caloric deficit, took me 8 months

[BSwim]

Muscle Obsession: When Narcissism Meets Necessity

In the world of fitness, having a strong and toned physique is often revered as the ultimate goal. For some, the pursuit of muscle perfection can become an all-consuming obsession, blurring the lines between self-improvement and narcissism.
While muscle obsession can be detrimental to one's well-being, it's essential to acknowledge that, as we age, maintaining muscle mass becomes a necessity. Sarcopenia, the age-related loss of muscle mass and strength, can lead to frailty, mobility issues, and increased risk of falls and injuries.
In our later years, having strong muscles is no longer just a matter of aesthetics; it's crucial for maintaining independence, mobility, and overall health.

Meantime, I would lean on vanity to push and motivate myself. Oh..having an overdriving imaginative mind helps too...you wouldn't believe the numerous times I had picturing those hotties at the gym working out in the nude. 😂 
 

[ReubenH]

What made me start working out:

 

1. Sports required routine workout in younger, schooling days (more of been forced to).

2. Vanity reasons after starting to work, want to maintain what was previously earned from sports (not regular at gyms due to many other priorities)

3. Teases, rejections start to sprout as I grew in age and waist circumference (became more regular at gym, found a cheaper and closer to home one)

 

More importantly, what made me continue working out regularly:

1. Results (fulfilling to look at myself in the mirror)
2. Vanity (shiok to receive compliments)

3. Fitness (comparing myself to other friends of same age group or even younger ones)

4. Strength and health (more aware and concern as I age)

 

Ultimately, working out does not limit to solely gymming but other exercises to keep the body mobile and functional. Continuous learning and improvements, seeing results of own research and trials also help keep me pushing forward. 

[AgentFit]

6 hours ago, ReubenH said:

What made me start working out:

 

1. Sports required routine workout in younger, schooling days (more of been forced to).

2. Vanity reasons after starting to work, want to maintain what was previously earned from sports (not regular at gyms due to many other priorities)

3. Teases, rejections start to sprout as I grew in age and waist circumference (became more regular at gym, found a cheaper and closer to home one)

 

More importantly, what made me continue working out regularly:

1. Results (fulfilling to look at myself in the mirror)
2. Vanity (shiok to receive compliments)

3. Fitness (comparing myself to other friends of same age group or even younger ones)

4. Strength and health (more aware and concern as I age)

 

Ultimately, working out does not limit to solely gymming but other exercises to keep the body mobile and functional. Continuous learning and improvements, seeing results of own research and trials also help keep me pushing forward. 

 

You've said it v well.  Maybe for me, I'll like to add that when young, I was so scrawny and weighed only about 55-57kg in my 20s, but with regular sports and  intensive weight training, my weight went up to a healthy 72kg.  So apart from vanity reasons, there was a push to look less 'deficient' in the corporate world and to have a better stature in the work place.

Also, I witnessed many friends and relatives suffering serious health issues in their middle-aged years.  This alarmed and spurred me to continue in a disciplined manner to stay healthy with fitness, and I expect to be consistent all the way to advanced years.

 

[radiusulnar]

17 hours ago, abcwater said:

yea minor but consistent caloric deficit, took me 8 months

Thanks for the tip. Was muscle mass also reduced during that period because of the deficit or you managed to maintain.

[abcwater]

yes inevitably some muscle mass might be lost during the cut period but as long as you continue to train hard and maintain high protein intake it is not big deal. You will actually look more muscular due to the better definition after leaning down. It's all about proportion aesthetically. 

[ToughGuy]

On 12/31/2024 at 4:27 PM, 20wannajotgt said:

for me the whole reason I started working out was basically just to fit into tight and fashionable clothes. But ever since I got slim and, idk, kinda fit, I’ve also started taking care of my style, looks, and personality, and yeah… people have been treating me sooo much better, kinder, nicer and also respect, compliments are flying left and right, and people are just way nicer to me compared to when I was overweight and, ill be real, kinda ugly. so yeah i think taking care of your health do have soo much benefits 😂, no cons cause i still eat burgers and im just fine 🙈

Nice

[T Gunner]

Thanks @Fuzzyrob for started this thread. Do hope more people will read all these inspiring stories and start working out for better well being. 
 

I started going gym only 3 years ago and it was just that moment I decide to change for the better self. I always have low self-esteem and especially afraid to go for company team outing due to my look and skinny frame. I spent few $k engaging a PT at first but to me, this is money well spent. Initially I thought 10 sessions will be able to see results but I was wrong… took me 30-40 sessions to see some visible improvement. And once I switched to self train, I am more motivated and more confident to go gym alone… and more frequent too.

 

Beside improving your health, one of the most important thing work out can bring is confidence. And please don’t underestimate this thing.. confidence in look, in the way you dress and getting compliments at times are something money can’t buy. Looking into the mirror and have the feel good feeling is truly priceless (at least to me). And not forgetting people drawn to you naturally because of your positive vibe. 
 

Though working out can’t guarantee you outlive other, but if you compare to your peers when passed certain age, you will have that deep sense of contentment. Believe me… 
 

There will be people who can’t work out maybe due to certain illness or special condition or family commitment… but as long as you are happy, that’s what truly matters. Last thing you want is to be unhappy with your physique and appearance yet choose not to take action, even when you can. 
 

P/S: I have friends who are not bother with look but yet happy because they focus on other priorities in life, like  nurturing relationship with partner, building a successful career etc, and they understand that while working out contributes to well-being, it's just one piece of the larger picture of happiness.