Pumping Iron: Why Guys Lift Weights

At some point and time, almost all guys (and many women) go through a stage of pumping iron (lifting weights). Many do it during school years for athletic reasons (especially football strength), while others take it upon themselves to bulk-up to meet the opposite sex (usually).  In a nutshell: Guys lift weights. Guys pump iron.

So, it is easy to summize that males lift weights for women, strength, and muscle mass; but, is it right to assume that these are the core or root reasons for participation in weight lifting? Not without qualifications; lifting is the means for obtaining these things that in turn provide a period of happiness and self-confidence (short or long depending upon the intentions for the desires). But, it comes about indirectly.

Everyone fools themselves, or either downright lies to others, claiming that they lift weights "for themselves," even initially. Hint: males no more lift start lifting weights for themselves than women happen to try and lose weight and get bikini ready in spring. Understand? 

The ability to be liked, loved, and desired by others (generally the opposite sex) provides a wonderful feeling of self-confidence and assuredness. What is done by the lifter or bodybuilder also provides a sense of accomplishment and self-discipline. These are also good things, and qualities that can be transferred for use in all aspects of life.

Weightlifting (pumping iron) thus serves the dual purpose for guys of attracting the opposite sex and providing a feeling of self-worth (almost always as a positive and unforeseen externality).

I will say this, as a lifter: the movies "Pumping Iron" and "Generation Iron" appeal to our masculine nature. We identify the lifting lifestyle and results from working out in the gym with what we want at particular stages of our lives. This is not a bad thing, as long as the basis of our lives remain Christian-based with the lifting as simply the means to obtain and keep the quality of life we want...

~ Jimmy Hall is the owner of JIMMY HALL WRITING SERVICES/ Atlanta (404-580-1501). He writes business plans, resumes, web content, and more..... 404-580-1501.