Do you workout for strength or shape?

[Howard]

I tend to go in cycles depending on time of year...For the most part, I stay pretty clean( diet ) , do cardio,and lift heavy as hell year round. However, I'll pick out a date(such as a trip to see family) and spend 2 or 3 months hardcore dieting and really lean out. During this time, I stick with the big lifts, but am a lot weaker

This is pretty well balanced and ideal a format.
I can't do any deadlifts or reg barbell squats any longer without blowing out my back .
I enjoy doing some decent wts on the machines ( Hammer) and similar stuff however

[pumpster]

at this stage ill take whatever the fuck i can, but mostly its the vain side of things

ha

[CalvinH]

Me too

At least there's a few of us

[candidizzle]

shape, but abs are least important.

[Rami]

It seems that here at getbig that those that do workout are split between the ones that want to look good and the ones that are obsessed about strength and size.

What's your workout goals?  having shredded abs or benching 400-500 pounds?

I train for increased physical capacity and healthiness of the body, although I'm probably taking it further with higher intensity and volume than what would be considered for optimal health. I Like high reps for weight training, running for cardio, maintaining a low BF etc. It requires you to never let up. It has to be your hobby. Strength was fun to increase when younger. As you get older strength doesn't come as easy, you look better lean and athletic. One reason I don't go for strength is I want to be able to do this for as long as possible and trying to save joints from heavy weights.

[Method101]

If i could getbig using 10pound dumbells i would.

[mass 04]

shapely strength.

[Ursus]

a 500lb bench at 240 10% wouldbt be too shabby. im greedy i want both. Though would rather look like marvin eder, bill peral etc than ronnie....i couldnt even if i wanted too anyway lol

[Moosejay]

shape and size/strength 'illusion'

Become good at making a light weight look heavy

And then your path will be directed by you.