Letting yourself go...

This question definitely doesn't apply to the members here (I hope :))

However, lately I keep asking myself the question, how can people let themselves go just because they're in a relationship? I understand the thought a lot of people has is "I don't have to look good for anyone anymore", but if/when they become single again, they're all about getting back in shape/losing weight, cleaning up their act, etc.

If anything, you'd think they'd want to maintain their appearance to impress their significant other, and for their sake too. At least that's the way I see it. I haven't been in a "committed" relationship for a couple of years now, but I've kind of been seeing this girl since late spring now, and the more we get intimate :mrright: the more she compliments me on my muscles and definition. So, obviously it turns her on. Which in turn, gives me more motivation to improve and to keep her even more interested :D

My brother and his GF are a prime example of the "who cares" attitude. He's gained probably 40+ pounds, she's gained probably the same, maybe a little less :boxing_smiley: All from being lazy, smoking cigs, drinking beer and eating out. but mostly, from being lazy.. Hate to use them as an example on the internet for all to read, but they're still somewhat anonymous :)

Kind of dragged this question out, but I wasn't quite sure how to put it and I've been wanting to ask it for a while. So I finally figgered I'd ask
 
Happiness is internal.


Round IS a shape.
 
I’ve yo-yoed with being in shape. I can get into good shape but my wife doesn’t really notice, so I say why bother and stop working and take things easy. I’m on the upswing once again, nothing from the wife, but I’m noticing some attention around work from the ladies. Feels good.
 
I think if people work out and want to stay in shape for the main purpose of being attractive, then once they have someone they feel more secure and maybe think they don't have to do all that work anymore.

I doubt this happens with people who work out mainly for themselves and because it feels good to be healthy.

So my guess would be that it has everything to do with the motivation to workout in the first place.
 
I used to obsess endlessly about gaining all the weight back ( I have lost over 100 lb.'s) but now I know I like feeling the way I do at a certain weight even if it means being sore and hungry some of the time.
 
Each to their own really. I'm at the other end of the spectrum, I have to work damn hard to keep my weight above 200lbs but it has nothing to do with my wife as she'd probably rather I was more like 170lbs.

I don't think that keeping any kind of body shape or level of physical fitness for the sake of another person is ever sustainable or healthy so if your brother and his girlfriend are happy in themselves and with each other at a higher weight then good for them.

Compared to fitness, happiness is far harder to find and far more valuable IMO.
 
Every reason and opinion is a good one in the eyes of the beholder.

If you think getting in shape will get you someone sooner, then why not.

Anyone can say it's a good or bad reason - but it dosen't make it so.

But, honestly, IMO, there is no valid reason to let yourself go. Your life is so damn much more easier and pleasant (not to mention longer) when you are in shape...which is also, very very "fun" for any relationship you have or want. :D

I've been struggling and changing my habits for the last couple of years, I ain't going to stop just 'cause I meet someone, hell no!

The results you get from improved health outweigh (by far.) the work you out in.

Some people like it easy, some like to push themselves to be better.

Some are serious about how they look and feel about themselves, some just don't give a rats ass.
 
If you are working out for the sole purpose of being attractive then you're working out for the wrong reasons. IMO.

I work out to feel good, and stay healthy. Granted I enjoy the extra attention from da ladies but my main focus 3 years ago was a scary cholesterol screen.

My wife has never said anything about me losing weight and looking better. Nor has she taken the initiative to move around. She has packed on 70 lbs since we got married. I thought that after 3 years of leading by example someone would follow me.

I do this for myself and fitness and nutrition has become a passion of mine now. I don't care who if anyone follows me.
 
Each to their own really. I'm at the other end of the spectrum, I have to work damn hard to keep my weight above 200lbs but it has nothing to do with my wife as she'd probably rather I was more like 170lbs.

I don't think that keeping any kind of body shape or level of physical fitness for the sake of another person is ever sustainable or healthy so if your brother and his girlfriend are happy in themselves and with each other at a higher weight then good for them.

Compared to fitness, happiness is far harder to find and far more valuable IMO.
Considering how much the two of them fight, I doubt they're entirely happy
:animal2 :D

I get what you mean though. And I didn't really think about the opposite end (i.e your end) of the spectrum where you need to keep your weight up. But that's still different than not caring about yourself at all :)

If you are working out for the sole purpose of being attractive then you're working out for the wrong reasons. IMO.

I work out to feel good, and stay healthy. Granted I enjoy the extra attention from da ladies but my main focus 3 years ago was a scary cholesterol screen.

My wife has never said anything about me losing weight and looking better. Nor has she taken the initiative to move around. She has packed on 70 lbs since we got married. I thought that after 3 years of leading by example someone would follow me.

I do this for myself and fitness and nutrition has become a passion of mine now. I don't care who if anyone follows me.
Definitely not working out for the sole purpose of attracting others, but the compliments definitely feel good :)

My pain purpose for starting to eat healthy was a few years ago I just got tired of being a chubster. Since I've started working out and still eat healthy. Biggest thing is I try to eat as little sodium/salt as possible. Cardiologist told me about 18 months ago that my BP was high and to cut back on salts. From both working out and watching my diet even more, my BP has dropped significantly. It was never at a dangerous level, but a bit high for my age. But I had surgery to correct a blockage in my aorta as an infant and an angio plasti at age 5 to remove scar tissue, so I kind of have to watch my BP :)

I also agree about not caring who follows me or who I inspire. If I do, great. If not, oh well. I get hell from my family all the time about eating well and exercising because "we're all going to die anyway", but why not make the best of what time you've got?
 
I'm not entirely certain what "letting yourself go" means. To me that implies it's a intentional act of making yourself unattractive. I don't think anyone would want to make themselves look unattractive except maybe those people on the beer gut forum.

Anyway, I know first hand that losing weight or gaining weight have really no bearings on attracting anyone or keeping someone with you.
 
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