I've gone through periods in my life where I have worked out consistently for months at a time. Whether it was playing football with a bunch of guys or running a 25k race, I've always been good enough but never above mediocre.

After my wife gave birth to our 3rd child, I realized that I was the heaviest I'd ever been in my life (and it wasn't because of muscle mass). During her pregnancy, I gained around 35 lbs. This was my wakeup call that I need to take better care of my body.

I've had a home gym in my basement for 7 or 8 years now. I'm finally making good use of it again.

I love the feeling that I'm doing something more than the average with my physique. I also find that people that work out tend to be more positive about life in general than those who don't.