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[Ilafatyu]

Most people work out with a goal in mind. They have a certain weight they want to get down to, a certain pants size they want to wear. Whatever it is their goal is, they can point at it and say "This is what I want, this is how close I am."

What about gaining weight and muscle, can that be given a specific goal? Is there any magic motivation trick to make post-workout soreness worth it? What have you guys done to get yourself up and motivated?

[Kiro]

Look at myself in the mirror and ask what can be improved. Despite the belief that people should be happy about their bodies, I'm doubtful that there are many who wouldn't change something about their own body if they could. This can be dangerous if there aren't checks put into place beforehand, but if you're seeking motivation that can't be quantified, this is something.

As for gaining muscle, you can definitely quantify your goals. Just see where you are now and make a goal on how much weight and reps you'd like to be able to do per each exercise.

[rndmguy]

You can easily set goals for gaining muscle. Lifting heavier with each week, increasing the reps you can do, and even working on specific muscles to see them grow.

[Arbite]

Give yourself a weight goal. Give yourself a goal for how much you want to lift...

[Krazer]

You can also set measurement goals. Like adding an inch of muscle to your respective body part.

[nikkiolie]

Yeah I have goals of being able to bench my weight (135 lbs) and squats double my weight (260). I also have a running goal. I reached my first one. I wanted to be able to run a mile in 8 minutes, next goal is run one in 7:30. There is always goals to set. Be able to do one pull up, then five pull ups, get in shape so you can do a 5K in under 30 minutes.

Another goal of mine is I want to be able to give someone a piggy back ride and do squats at the same time. I haven't even tried it yet but I want to.

[Somsai]

Motivation? I usually watch fighting Anime or watch Bodybuilding videos. Idk. I recommend you just don't depend on motivation and think of it as just an enjoyable lifestyle.

[MedievalGirl]

I like the idea of weight lifting goals. I'd write down everything I lifted and could track my progress. I could also go "I've been at 50 for x weeks time to go to 55." This was a new exercise for me so it was disconnected from previous failures and body image issues.

[Ilafatyu]

Given that my primary for of exercise has nothing to do with lifting weights, a lot of these suggestions for number-reaching goals don't really apply. But thanks for everything, guys.

I've come to the conclusion that I don't need a goal, I just need to outperform my partner. That's motivation enough on its own. xD

[nikkiolie]

What is your primary form of exercise? In the original post you didn't give us much information, you just said gaining weight and muscle. Most people associate gaining muscle with weight lifting.

Having someone you want to compete with is great and I hope that works!

[Jets]

I typically try to go to the gym everyday if possible. Or if my schedule and time constraints get a bit too hectic, I still try to go at least 3 or 4 times in a week.
And I try to burn at least 45 minutes each time I go. And if not, I take a short-cut with only 30 minutes or so.

I used to struggle a lot with maintaining this goal due to laziness in general. But then I finally kicked myself to stop acting like this.