How does exercise effect one's sense of self?

[Medusa locked]

I was wondering if anyone has had any thoughts about the impact that their exercise routine has on their sense of identity.

I've always felt that my own training sessions, I've always used greatly as a way to make me feel like me. I've had times where I've felt a little displaced and restless and that's the dialogue that I use, "I need to do something that makes me feel like me." My sessions always hits the spot.

Has anyone else had similar experiences?

Also, has anyone experienced shifts in their sense of personal identity, depending on the physical activity they do? How has that affected your perception of yourself as a person?

[Swifthawk]

I am similar to a certain extent. Going to the gym and working out has always been a way to "clear my head." It allows you to forget what is going on in the rest of the world and focus on what thing. Improvement.

I've had some of my most profound thoughts while in the middle of a grueling weight session and have learned a lot about pain and self-discipline.

In terms of identity, I feel like lifting weights shows yourself who you really are.

As Henry Rollins has talked about it before, he explained how a person can call you crap or amazing, but that weight will always be the same, showing you if you are really strong enough or not.

It is just about mental strength as it is about physical. Like a mirror that shows you your true self.

[wanzulfikri]

I have this dream that I can do great things when I play basketball.

When I exercise, I can feel some out-of-place feelings that is hard to describe.

[Medusa locked]

Originally Posted by Swifthawk

In terms of identity, I feel like lifting weights shows yourself who you really are.

As Henry Rollins has talked about it before, he explained how a person can call you crap or amazing, but that weight will always be the same, showing you if you are really strong enough or not.

It is just about mental strength as it is about physical. Like a mirror that shows you your true self.

That is true. Maybe exercise can show us who we really are or what we can really do. It can remind us of what we are capable of.

Or on the other hand, it can be a way to adopt those qualities or capabilities that we don't already have.