Fine line between pride and vanity?

**AllKindsOGains** · 04-08-2015, 03:49 PM

As bodybuilders, we chase aesthetics, fighting to sculpt our bodies and make our appearance something not only we can appreciate but others as well. So where do you draw the line? Is wearing a tight shirt in public showing off, or posting a progress pic on social media blatant doucebaggery? Is displaying what you've worked for wrong, and if so, when is it ok to let it shine? When does pride in what you've accomplished cross the line into vanity?

**Euroholic** · 04-08-2015, 03:54 PM

Whats the difference between a girl showing off her new hand bag or a guy showing off his improved calves?

Don't allow other peoples negativity to bother you. Just do what makes you happy.

**AllKindsOGains** · 04-08-2015, 04:00 PM

I'd argue that a girl with a low cut shirt beats a guy wearing a compression shirt for vanities sake.

**Euroholic** · 04-08-2015, 04:10 PM

It probbaly is vanity but who cares if it makes you happy just do it. Vanity is what drives people to succeed

**clarky.** · 04-08-2015, 04:19 PM

Akog you know how hard we work to get to where we want to be so if you feel good then show off what you have got. The ppl who say oh look at him show off ect ect are as the big man would say are little skinny cvnts.

**bartman314** · 04-08-2015, 04:34 PM

the male ego is a fragile thing. ;-)

**bartman314** · 04-08-2015, 04:35 PM

i show it off as much as i can get away with. :-D

BG · 04-08-2015, 06:09 PM

I save it for grand occasions

**GirlyGymRat** · 04-08-2015, 07:39 PM

Men wearing spanx is just odd. Lol

**kelkel** · 04-08-2015, 07:44 PM

Originally Posted by Euroholic

Don't allow other peoples negativity to bother you. Just do what makes you happy.

Hard not to agree with this.

**GirlyGymRat** · 04-08-2015, 07:55 PM

Originally Posted by bartman314

the male ego is a fragile thing. ;-)

Yessssssssss.

**scotty51312** · 04-08-2015, 09:16 PM

Originally Posted by Euroholic

It probbaly is vanity but who cares if it makes you happy just do it. Vanity is what drives people to succeed

Haters gonna hate!

People who give you shit for posting progress on social media just need to be told to ignore everything you post relating to fitness. Just like they probably do in their regular lives.

Girls can take bathroom bikini selfies all day but god forbid you post a pic of yourself at the pool. This will sound vane. But chances are they just want what you have but are to lazy to work for it so to make themselves feel better they try to put you down.

**tdoe11** · 04-08-2015, 10:12 PM

I would feel like a bit of a fag for posting a "Buff selfie". Just me though, and honestly when my dude friends do it, I always like their pics and give them props is its deserved.

I kind of get a bit uncomfortable when people tell me I am looking good, or want me to flex. I like to be low key. But it's always rad when your chic won't keep her eyes and hands off you

**tarmyg** · 04-09-2015, 12:54 AM

I say as my mother in-law: If you've got it, flaunt it!

**AllKindsOGains** · 04-09-2015, 09:35 AM

I have to agree with you guys. I feel that if someone has a problem with the success you've had, and your tendency to let it show, then they should make efforts to change their own bodies rather than telling you to "conceal" yours. We aren't the millionaire waving stacks of hundred dollar bills in the faces of the poor; we are bodybuilders showcasing what dedication, consistency, and our desire to improve has done for our physiques. If they don't like it, well, I don't give a fuk

.

**songdog** · 04-09-2015, 01:18 PM

I guess it's all up to the person.When I was younger and in great shape.I always wore a baggy shirt.I theory was. I knew I looked good and didn't need a second opinion.

BG · 04-09-2015, 02:55 PM

Originally Posted by songdog

I guess it's all up to the person.When I was younger and in great shape.I always wore a baggy shirt.I theory was. I knew I looked good and didn't need a second opinion.

As do I, I don't like people looking at me, gives me anxiety. I don't own a tank top, I fell weird wearing them.

**NACH3** · 04-09-2015, 03:08 PM

Originally Posted by BG

As do I, I don't like people looking at me, gives me anxiety. I don't own a tank top, I fell weird wearing them.

Funny this came up... But I too tend to wear more lose fitting shirts as well(unless I'm at the beach - and w/a 6 pk I sometimes feel awkward as people tend to stare) I know it's a compliment and I take it as such... But when you have 14" scars and some welts going across your stomach from Thick wire holding your stomach together - I too start to think... That they're just looking at that lol... I've even been complimented on it and still feel weird

I know it's not bad and we do work our asses off but at the end of the day are we ever satisfied w/how we look(though we're not your avg joes)??? Of course NOT!

**kelkel** · 04-09-2015, 06:33 PM

Funny to hear you guys say that stuff. When I was younger I would never wear anything tight, especially a tank top (still won't.) I never wanted to be that stereotypical "dickhead" bodybuilder. Now though as styles have changed a bit I'll wear a tighter shirt on occasion. That said, it's still how you carry yourself when you wear it. You can carry yourself naturally and like an athlete as opposed to trying to look like you can't exhale. It's always fun to walk by those type guys and say "what happened?" They'll ask "what do you mean?" Then just look down at their legs, shake your head and walk away.

**kelkel** · 04-09-2015, 06:35 PM

Originally Posted by NACH3

unless I'm at the beach - and w/a 6 pk!

What type beer you talking about Nach?

**AllKindsOGains** · 04-09-2015, 07:14 PM

Thanks for livening up the thread kelkel lol

**Sfla80** · 04-09-2015, 07:19 PM

So for example...I don't wear tight fighting shirts to show off....but large is very tight around the arms and chest. And I much rather wear that the an xlarge wear I feel like I'm wearing a dress. Or that I'm swimming in it. So that's the line I draw.

I do wear tanks at the gym...go through phases actually. Few months only tshirts....few months only tanks.

For me it's only a comfort thing. I could care less what u think of me.

**musclestack** · 04-09-2015, 08:06 PM

Originally Posted by Sfla80

So for example...I don't wear tight fighting shirts to show off....but large is very tight around the arms and chest. And I much rather wear that the an xlarge wear I feel like I'm wearing a dress. Or that I'm swimming in it. So that's the line I draw.

I do wear tanks at the gym...go through phases actually. Few months only tshirts....few months only tanks.

For me it's only a comfort thing. I could care less what u think of me.

I have the same problem with Large and XL shirts. Most larges are too tight, but the XL are too long on me, which I hate. I suppose I could get them all tailored, but I don't want to spend the time or money.

**Sfla80** · 04-09-2015, 08:16 PM

Originally Posted by musclestack

I have the same problem with Large and XL shirts. Most larges are too tight, but the XL are too long on me, which I hate. I suppose I could get them all tailored, but I don't want to spend the time or money.

No point in tailoring tshirts...maybe dress shirts...but still

**Hazard** · 04-09-2015, 08:59 PM

I hafta buy XL or XXL and the issue for me is always the length of the tee. They always lift up to my belly button when I raise my arms up. It's so uncomfortable. I can't even dry the shirts.... I have to wash em and air dry them so they don't shrink at all

**MR-FQ320** · 04-09-2015, 11:08 PM

For me I am a point in my life where I don't really care what others think of me, I wear clothes that I feel comfortable in, if loose fitting vest tops and a big man with with muscles offends them then the problem lies with them not me. That said, I do post "gym selfies" to Facebook now and again, most receive positive encouraging comments, this makes me feel proud of what I have achieved, especially as what my body used to be like, and was clearly not genetically gifted, so it has been hard work, dedication and education. But I changed my body to please myself not everyone else.

**Honkey_Kong** · 04-10-2015, 05:34 AM

Originally Posted by tdoe11

I would feel like a bit of a fag for posting a "Buff selfie". Just me though, and honestly when my dude friends do it, I always like their pics and give them props is its deserved.

I kind of get a bit uncomfortable when people tell me I am looking good, or want me to flex. I like to be low key. But it's always rad when your chic won't keep her eyes and hands off you

^^^ If they ask you to flex, ask for money. Don't do shit for free.

**kelkel** · 04-10-2015, 07:18 AM

Originally Posted by Hazard

They always lift up to my belly button when I raise my arms up. It's so uncomfortable.

Which no doubt shows off your belly button bling.

**Hazard** · 04-10-2015, 08:19 AM

Originally Posted by kelkel

Which no doubt shows off your belly button bling.

Had to remove it..... When the shirts pull up it snagged the bling

**DCI** · 04-10-2015, 08:44 AM

For me personally, if I wear anything that is "loose" fitting I feel like homer simpson when he gains all the weight to just work from home lol. I just don't feel right in it.

So what I try and do is get a t or shirt that fits my shoulders and arms nicely just a slight bit tight when I move my arms but have a gap in them when arms are straight.

And I've never had anything ever said to my face about my size which is nothing special imo but no doubt its said behind my back to which I don't really care about.

**GirlyGymRat** · 04-10-2015, 04:44 PM

Just everyone take your shirts off. I won't mind.

**Euroholic** · 04-10-2015, 05:22 PM

I love my suits. Versace, armani, hugo. And some LV loafers

**NACH3** · 04-10-2015, 05:57 PM

Originally Posted by kelkel

What type beer you talking about Nach?

Depending how hot it is... I like Wheat beers.... Amstel light is pretty good... Sierra Nevada.... Sam Adams has a nice dummer ale... Even some Heineken lol but not much of a drinker.... Anymore at least.

**GirlyGymRat** · 04-10-2015, 06:06 PM

Originally Posted by kelkel

Funny to hear you guys say that stuff. When I was younger I would never wear anything tight, especially a tank top (still won't.) I never wanted to be that stereotypical "dickhead" bodybuilder. Now though as styles have changed a bit I'll wear a tighter shirt on occasion. That said, it's still how you carry yourself when you wear it. You can carry yourself naturally and like an athlete as opposed to trying to look like you can't exhale. It's always fun to walk by those type guys and say "what happened?" They'll ask "what do you mean?" Then just look down at their legs, shake your head and walk away.

Pic please and thank you

**GirlyGymRat** · 04-10-2015, 06:09 PM

Originally Posted by MR-FQ320

For me I am a point in my life where I don't really care what others think of me, I wear clothes that I feel comfortable in, if loose fitting vest tops and a big man with with muscles offends them then the problem lies with them not me. That said, I do post "gym selfies" to Facebook now and again, most receive positive encouraging comments, this makes me feel proud of what I have achieved, especially as what my body used to be like, and was clearly not genetically gifted, so it has been hard work, dedication and education. But I changed my body to please myself not everyone else.

I think this attitude comes with maturity and confidence.

Btw. You have recomped your physique over the years. Nicely done!

**Hazard** · 04-10-2015, 06:10 PM

Originally Posted by NACH3

Depending how hot it is... I like Wheat beers.... Amstel light is pretty good... Sierra Nevada.... Sam Adams has a nice dummer ale... Even some Heineken lol but not much of a drinker.... Anymore at least.

Yuengling and Stella myself