Do you train only with competing in mind...

[teamelite]

thinking about it, i only trained to compete, before bodybuilding it was for sports, specific training to get ready for whatever sport or season i was getting ready for, then bodybuilding it was just training day in and out for a show, after show, and it all just melted together. always training, always wanting more. then got burnt out, on that lifestyle

now i am not enjoying training at all, without a show date or goal to go after i do not like going to the gym whatsoever. i only train for results, and the results are only necessary to compete with, so its a vicious cycle,

 

[GorillaGenetics]

im 6'5 so i dont really feel like getting to the size i need to in order to compete im already 270 and feelin big ass fawk

 

[tkav1980]

I train because to me its fun. its my hobby by choice.

 

[kid1dakota]

I have been training since 14 years old and I am now 42 and Competing has NEVER crossed my mind actually.
Even when I was in my teens I would get muscle and fitness magazine and always skipped the competition stuff and flipped to the training and nutrition articles.
Different strokes for different folks which is good.I admire the dedication and discipline of the competitors though.

 

[Acadian]

I have yet to defeat the mental barrier of training "for myself" or because "I love it". I have trained for nearly 20 years for baseball, and before I was married, for off the field stats. I'm 35 now and I don't know how much longer I can play competitively. When I am unable, I don't see from where I will draw my motivation.

 

[method2madness]

Agreed!! Very well said brother. I am also roughly 3 weeks into my off-season or growth phase after my last show.
M2M

Training with competition in mind is the only way to ensure that I stick consistently to my nutrition/training plan. I'm 4 weeks or so into my offseason and single-mindedly looking ahead to next year. Focusing on the stage ensures that I will bring as much progress as possible next year.