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An Introduction

Erudite

New member
Hello All,

I feel kind of weird making an introduction thread, but I've lurked here for a while, and this seems to be a quality forum with good info and without the grating online culture found elsewhere. I suppose I want to get off on a good foot, so introducing myself might be a good idea.

I'm 33 and have worked out off-and-on for over a decade, but none all too seriously. However, I have recently gotten back into it again. My motivation is determined by multiple factors, there is of course the physical appearance and looking better, but more than that I'm trying to substitute some unhealthy habits for some better alternatives. My family on my mother's side has struggled with mental health issues, especially sever anxiety problems, and I have inherited those issues. For about the past 5 years I've used drinking as a coping mechanism. I don't drink heavily but I started drinking frequently, and it was taking a bit of a toll; I felt gross and it takes a chunk out of the ol' pay check. Forecasting down the future I've realized that this is not sustainable, and that I'll start to feel greater consequences.

So about a month ago, I almost completely quit drinking, started going back to the gym frequently and regularly, and also started a construction/exhibits job at a local museum. The effects have been pretty dramatic thus far. In about 3 weeks I've lost about 10 pounds. I feel and think with greater lucidity. And, I'm saving a ton of money. haha. I'm hoping to keep up the positive momentum. I don't think I could reduce my alcohol consumption without replacing it with a different -and healthier- coping mechanism.

Down the line, I'd totally like to try MC's IGF. But I still have a lot of progress to make without it. Baby steps, right?

Aside from that, I'm not sure what to say. I'm a local San Diego native. I just finished my masters degree from UCSD studying International Relations with an emphasis on Economic Development and Non-profit Management, but also concentrated in a lot of IR Politics too. Going to a grad program at UCSD was an incredible experience where I grew a lot, but am now looking to grow in other dimensions in life, especially health and fitness.

And my name is Skyler
 
Welcome to MC Erudite aka Skyler :-) Sounds like you're off in the right direction. Coincidently my family on my mother's side also struggles with mental health issues and anxiety. They're unfortunately losing the battle. Luckily I have my hubby (The Dude) and the gym to keep me focused and just happy in general. Good luck and if you stick around I'm sure you'll get all the help you need here.
 
Welcome to MC. Im on my phone so this will be short. 7 years ago today i checked myself into my 4th treatment center i was 25 with tons of issues the fucking military wouldnt take me even at there most desperate time. Today i work for a mental health agency teaching daily living/life skills for folks who have been locked up many years in the state institution. Part of my recovery is working out and i share that with as many people i feel it can help. I have taken probably a dozen guys that i work with to the gym and most of them still go and live independently. I could go on and in about my anxiety/fear/PTSD/depression but no words can tell of how i actually felt
 
Welcome to MC !! There is a good bunch of guys/gals here who have a ton of knowledge and Will gladly help with any questions you have.
 
welcome to MuscleChemistry, and good to have ya with us! The gym has been a life saver for myself, so i know what ya mean! And yes you found a very good home in MC, great bunch of guys and gals!
 
I will say this..... I began working out again almost 3 years ago 14 days into a 28 day stay in rehab. Lifting has saved my life. I traded my old habits for better/healthier ones and have never looked back.....

HEALTHY BODY = HEALTHY MIND

Austin
 
Hello All,

I feel kind of weird making an introduction thread, but I've lurked here for a while, and this seems to be a quality forum with good info and without the grating online culture found elsewhere. I suppose I want to get off on a good foot, so introducing myself might be a good idea.

I'm 33 and have worked out off-and-on for over a decade, but none all too seriously. However, I have recently gotten back into it again. My motivation is determined by multiple factors, there is of course the physical appearance and looking better, but more than that I'm trying to substitute some unhealthy habits for some better alternatives. My family on my mother's side has struggled with mental health issues, especially sever anxiety problems, and I have inherited those issues. For about the past 5 years I've used drinking as a coping mechanism. I don't drink heavily but I started drinking frequently, and it was taking a bit of a toll; I felt gross and it takes a chunk out of the ol' pay check. Forecasting down the future I've realized that this is not sustainable, and that I'll start to feel greater consequences.

So about a month ago, I almost completely quit drinking, started going back to the gym frequently and regularly, and also started a construction/exhibits job at a local museum. The effects have been pretty dramatic thus far. In about 3 weeks I've lost about 10 pounds. I feel and think with greater lucidity. And, I'm saving a ton of money. haha. I'm hoping to keep up the positive momentum. I don't think I could reduce my alcohol consumption without replacing it with a different -and healthier- coping mechanism.

Down the line, I'd totally like to try MC's IGF. But I still have a lot of progress to make without it. Baby steps, right?

Aside from that, I'm not sure what to say. I'm a local San Diego native. I just finished my masters degree from UCSD studying International Relations with an emphasis on Economic Development and Non-profit Management, but also concentrated in a lot of IR Politics too. Going to a grad program at UCSD was an incredible experience where I grew a lot, but am now looking to grow in other dimensions in life, especially health and fitness.

And my name is Skyler

Welcome to MC bro and congratulationson the changes you have made so far . I have watched afew people very close to me lose the battle to alcohol so I know that alone is a bitch so my hats off to you sir!!!!!!
Soundslike you have your mind made up and driving in the right direction, just keep pushing forward and remember you have a host of great people here that can help in anyway they can.
Welcome bro
 
Thank you everyone, I really appreciate the welcome.

I feel really encouraged. I just got home from work, and it was a good day. Looking forward to de-stressing at the gym and not the bar.
 
Well welcome. First I hope you don't take personal offense to the dialogue in the General Forum. Many members, myself included are very passionate about our Politics as it has forced us to live a lifestyle far outside the norm.
Anyway Congrats on the success in the battle against addiction. I've been a committed Bodybuilder since I was 11. How many 11 year olds do you know that counted their daily protein intake by the gram. I have addiction issues in my family and due to an unfortunate set of circumstances I recently discovered that I am not immune to this disease as well. Bodybuilding has and continues to provide me with the structure and goals that I need to stay on the right path. It's a daily struggle brother. Every workout is a victory as is every good meal. The more I buckle down in my bodybuilding the more control I feel over my life.
I'll share something that my psychiatrist once told me (yes I am batshit crazy... Medically speaking)
Every day you get the opportunity to choose the man you want to be.
I think about that every day as I drag myself out of bed and brush my teeth. I think of how I want to go to sleep at the end of the night and be proud of the man I was that day
 
Hey Dude, Thanks for reaching out man.

No worries about offending me. It's fun to chat on here. I guess to give you more of an insight on both me (and my politics) I am pretty much a nihilist. I guess I believe that The Universe exists subjectively to everyone's own perspective and lacks an inherent reason to exist.

I read a book by the astro-physicists Brian Greene that said that quantum mechanics asks a question "Does the moon exist if you do not observe it?" and quantum mechanics response is "no it does not" It's kind of hard to wrap my mind around it, and I certainly don't understand it, but that response stuck with me.

I feel like life is fleeting, all is ultimately vanity, but I got to make the most of it while i'm here. Time to turn the ship around while I still can.
 
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Hey Dude, Thanks for reaching out man.

No worries about offending me. It's fun to chat on here. I guess to give you more of an insight on both me (and my politics) I am pretty much a nihilist. I guess I believe that The Universe exists subjectively to everyone's own perspective and lacks an inherent reason to exist.

I read a book by the astro-physicists Brian Greene that said that quantum mechanics asks a question "Does the moon exist if you do not observe it?" and quantum mechanics response is "no it does not" It's kind of hard to wrap my my around it, and I certainly don't understand it, but that response stuck with me.

I feel like life is fleeting, all is ultimately vanity, but I got to make the most of it while i'm here. Time to turn the ship around while I still can.

Spooky action at a distance, is what Einsteind called it! Sorry, I'm a Quantum Mechanics dork and read a few books on it, 3 way over my head until i found a 4th which was the lamens Version lol, anyhow, i know where your coming from brutha!
 
Oh man... I can't even wrap my head around nihilism. It just makes my mind spin. I can, however, see it's place.

In all honesty I would MUCH RATHER argue politics with someone that has an opinion based on facts and events versus the common masses which don't care enough to even develop an opinion, much less inform themselves with the happening in our country and around the world.

I was ranting and raving about Eric Holder finally resigning the other day and at least 70% of the people around me had no idea who he was.

Perhaps a little nihilism could do me good. I spend countless nights worrying about the state of our nation.

A lot of the guys here have (and as you know it never goes away) struggled with addiction and we discuss it openly. It's really a great place.

You will learn a tremendous amount regarding all aspects of bodybuilding in a very short time on this forum. It can be overwhelming. If you ever have something that you can't quite figure out don't hesitate to shoot me or another member a PM. Enjoy the ride brother. This is an amazing lifestyle.
 
Hey Presser, have you read Brian Green?

My background is in economics and political science, but I like to read about physics and quantum mechanics. I found that Green's books are super easy to ready and conceptualize. They honestly might be too easy for you, but they're just right for my lizard brain.
 
Hey Presser, have you read Brian Green?

My background is in economics and political science, but I like to read about physics and quantum mechanics. I found that Green's books are super easy to ready and conceptualize. They honestly might be too easy for you, but they're just right for my lizard brain.

i bought one of his on amazon for my tablet, as the reviews said he was an easy read, but i never got through the first chapter cause i just couldn't read it on my galaxy tab as the back light kept doing funny flickering shit, so NO i haven't read him, but i do own one of his books on my tablet lol,

I also have quite a few Michio Kaku books, which are a tad different, in they're on theoretical physics which i find cool as hell and mind opening, but he touches on Quantum Mechanics / physics as that was all theoretical as well at one point i guess, like black holes were which he delves into a lot lol, but he gets a little dorky and over descriptive in my opinion
 
Oh man... I can't even wrap my head around nihilism. It just makes my mind spin. I can, however, see it's place.

In all honesty I would MUCH RATHER argue politics with someone that has an opinion based on facts and events versus the common masses which don't care enough to even develop an opinion, much less inform themselves with the happening in our country and around the world.

I was ranting and raving about Eric Holder finally resigning the other day and at least 70% of the people around me had no idea who he was.

Perhaps a little nihilism could do me good. I spend countless nights worrying about the state of our nation.

A lot of the guys here have (and as you know it never goes away) struggled with addiction and we discuss it openly. It's really a great place.

You will learn a tremendous amount regarding all aspects of bodybuilding in a very short time on this forum. It can be overwhelming. If you ever have something that you can't quite figure out don't hesitate to shoot me or another member a PM. Enjoy the ride brother. This is an amazing lifestyle.


I really appreciate you engaging me and the talk.

It's amazing that you started out at 11 years old. That's truly remarkable. I feel like the perspectives you have and experiences you have gone through are probably incredibly unique. You could probably right a book on your experience(s) and journey.
 
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In all honesty I would MUCH RATHER argue politics with someone that has an opinion based on facts and events

I was thinking about this more tonight, and wanted to give a thoughtful response.

You are absolutely right to accuse me of being evasive, because like I see things as being relative and subjective. Even what we consider facts I would consider relative and dependent upon perspective.

I was thinking about this book I read years ago on Buddhism and it gave a parable about 4 blind men being brought up to an elephant. One man touches the trunk, another man touches a leg, another the side of the torso, and the final man touches the tail. They are all asked to describe the nature of the animal they observing through their touch, and they all give wildly different, yet simultaneously true accounts.

Maybe I value empathy too much, and you could probably realize the obvious problem that comes from this; it can be immobilizing.

I remember once a few years ago during my first year in grad school I had a real son of a bitch of a professor spring quarter. He was genuinely a very angry person and would have outbursts in class. The class largely despised him, and his attitude was so bad I started having panic attacks in class.

But despite that, I had the hardest time evaluating him when the quarter was over. I could have written some really horrible reviews that I knew would be seen by the associate dean, but I started to think that some of the stuff he was upset about actually had some merit. And, my anxiety and panic attacks associate with this class may not have been indicative with his teaching style, but more more own personal struggles, and in the end I just got stuck and didn't know what to put down. I think in the end, I didn't end up submitting an evaluation for him, because I didn't know what to say.
 
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Yes im a caring person who has problems with accepting life thats one reason i drank so much. If everyone wasnt so stupid and just acted right i would be ok so for me its best i dont do much thinking and get to much more doing of positive

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And presser can probably describe an elephant penis
 
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