Help needed - training mindset and motivation

[Jack]

Hey guys,

I've noticed a pattern in the way I think and I don't like it. I seem to move between following a Martial Artist/Enlisted Personell style of training(Lots of cardio, bodyweight exercises, and runnig) and a bodybuilding style of training. I find myself being really keen about one and getting into it, and after a few months losing interest and becoming enthusiastic about the other, so I will drop the one I was on and start persuing the other. A few months later, the same happens again but in reverse. If I try to incorporate both of them, by motivation for them both fades after time. I found that my motivation for something sticks a lot longer in a group environment (I stayed in a martial arts class for 16 months, while individually I seem to change motivations every few months)

I am young, 16, and this is getting to me. Is it possible I am still trying to find something that feels right for me? Have you guys got any advice or wisdom to share?

[YODA]

Seek - explore - have fun - try everything!

The way you are going is WAY better than blind allegience to some stylised doctrine for the sake of "Tradition"

Enjoy :D

[Saz]

Yoda's right. At least you aren't training for the sake of it, your training because you want to, even if it does fade off after time. Don't worry too much about it. You might never find a style you like, you might find it tomorrow. Every martial artist goes through a time when they think 'Why am I doing this?' I haven't trained for about 2 months, and I can't wait to get back. 6 weeks ago, I was glad of the break. So long as you train and enjoy it, its not important. Like my sensei says, the only failures in martial arts are the ones who give up :)

[Aqira]

One thing that may help- is when you find a real reason for your skills, one that means something to you personally. Motivation is a unique personal issue.

[Telsun]

Hi Jack
Try reading this link (I don't know if it is going to work, you may have to copy&paste it into you address bar). It was posted to me by Pesilat. When I questioned how he maintains motivation.

http://www.joerlansdale.com/shenchuan/newsletter/volume2/issue1cover.htm

What are you on now, martial arts or bodybuilding?

I bet which ever one it is your at it 110%, nothing else but the study of your chosen hobby. This is great but you need to break away now and again. Just have something else to occupy your attention for some time of the day. Even just reading and thinking about something 24/7 can lead to over training and boredom.
Both of these sports are extremely slow in developing results, well atleast dramatic results. The kind of results that you are probably looking for.
Do you keep going back to the same martial art/club? Maybe it is not right for you. It took me about 5 years to find my current instructor despite trying many other instructors, including many well known. When I trained under him I just knew that this is the guy I should train with.
Have you tried abbreviated bodybuilding? Just working out once or twice a week can be extremely productive and may not lead to you burning out. Try www.hardgainer.com. A superb site with an excellent forum. Also read a copy of Brawn or Beyond Brawn.

Why do you want to do bodybuilding anyway? I used to want a great body of massive proportion, but now my weight training is to improve my martial arts performance. I also love using Chishi (a traditional Okinawan training aid) which has added great strength to my upper body.
My body is ......average but then I do not commit myself to training as much as I should. There have been many great martial artists with great bodys but you generally see them in thier top shape. When I was 16 I could not gain an ounce of muscle, things change and my body responds well to weight training now. Although I lack the dedication to get that body I have always dreamed of. But look at Terry O'Neil or Joe Lewis IT CAN BE DONE.

Training with a group is always much easier than training on your own. Motivation wise.

Get out there find the club that has "got it all" and train like there is no tomorrow!! DON'T get to 30 or even 20 for that matter and look back and think if I had stuck with it I would be a 6th dan by now!!

[Jack]

Thanks for the replies YODA, Kyokushin Girl, Aquira and Telsun.

Well, I don't know what to say really. I just have to remember why I chose to do this and refind the motivation that came with it, and carry on through. I think I am getting annoyed because I am doing lots for my fitness that transfers to Martial Arts, but am not actually attending any MA classes. I really like the image of this training programme because the picture in my head is of very good health and fitness, with a slightly more muscular, lean, strong physique. However, I then doubt this programme because it is not made for size. And the reverse happens if I do follow Bodybuilding approach. Except I have no gym or spotter or spotting equipment so weightlifting is risky.

I should continue with my current fitness routine. I'll have to find my motivation again.

[Telsun]

Deadlifts, Overhead press, and rowing. Add a few supplementary exercises and thats it. No spotters needed or a fancy gym just basic lifting for maximum results.

[Jack]

OK Well I decided to stick with it. As soon as that first endorphin rush kicked in again I was loving it. Fintertip pushups, knuckle pushups, incline, normal, then on knees... tiring. Then slow negative pullups and a painful ab workout.

That was Monday. Today I'm still aching, I'll do my next workout tomorrow.