Those types of people should probably just give up then.
Yes, you could argue this, but let me ask you mate;
Don't a lot of people you see in the gym do it to get the affection of other people? I mean - How many of them genuinely think it is fun?
When I started doing martial arts I was sure that I was going to become this:
Tony Jaa, a thai boxer movie star. He looked insanely cool, his acrobatics, flexibility. Even though it was all film it was unreal.
Plus, a lot of women were on the MMA and Thai Boxing teams. They did/do it for the exercise and because it's safe, exotic and fun and everyone can feel like a bad ass after punching a bag for a while.
But as I started doing it, I actually found out that I had more fun doing this;
In fact I loved it, but I almost gave it up because of my own vanity. Nobody would think that ground fighting looked cool. That didn't gave any creds, and I would be able to score any admiration points for it. the appreciation, understanding for it was much lower and it was much more of a "mind barrier" that had to be passed when rolling on the floor with other sweaty men.
So from my experience I think you are right. I think people who are at the gym who do it out of need should find something else, and care less about doing something they don't enjoy. There are so much fun things people can do to give them an equal validation.
I don't claim to be at a point were I don't compare myself to others. But I hope to get there some day. I just wanted to say that I totally think it's worth it to go with what you think is cool and what gives you pleasure every day. And I think in some strange ways, that your body, your expression, your glimse in the eye, your soul and your articulation all will change or become morphed depending on what you choose to do.
If kayaking becomes a big part of your life, or gymnastic, or swimming, your body will look different. It might not be Brad Pitt, but it might be something even better.. for you.
Keep working for it, man. You sound like a fighter.
Thanks! That's a cool thing to say.
The hardships really make you grow. My losses, and defeats truly have made me stronger.