Okay- Here’s a wierd question: Why work out?

When dealing with the genre of FMG or superstrength, we frequently deal with characters whose strength is so mind-bogglingly ludicrous that a gym couldn't possibly provide them with any sort of real workout.

I've seen a couple of decent explanations over the years, particularly when dealing with characters whose strength and muscles are either fickle or somehow related to emotional states (and therefor subject to the same pressures and exertions that the rest of us are,) but mostly characters go into gyms with what appears to be the sole purpose of showing off or causing massive property damage.  This seems like a singularly poor reason for an otherwise intelligent and moral creature to go into a private business establishment.

With that in mind, why would these characters even bother with a gym?

O man – we seem to think alike! This question has been puzzling me since I have started reading stories here. I never dared address the topic because I feared I would piss off the writer.
The story of "Fräulein Panzer" for example. She has a Gym with weights that are made of some special material, a barbell that weighs as much as a battleship! Now why would anyone need such a gym if she/he could lift a battleship?  ???
Or that other story (which I really liked), where this Girl with the fitting name of "Natalie Sizemore"  humiliates Superman in his own special Gym. Why does Superman need a Gym? http://amaz0ns.com/option,com_smf/Itemid,135/topic,5419.0/

I think Gyms are good if a character is a normal human being that pushes his strength to her limits. Like the Kitty-Character. It's much more interesting (and logic) to have a normal human being grow to that size, instead of some magic. If there is some magic or potion involved, that gives unlimited strength, then going to the Gym is a waste of time. someone that can tear a safe out of a wall and crush it like a tin can, doesn't need to train anymore.

Showing off is pretty much the reason… I suppose. That or revenge on the ol' gym bully.

If they've got super level strength – there isn't really a reason… If they got FMG'd and are strong but not super strong, well – maybe they're remembering "use it or lose it".

fm07 hit the nail on the head on being helpful, showing how to lift, and the right way to do it (and surreptitiously show off the bod flexing while doing it).  And to be an inspiration to others working out.

And don't forget… the gym is also a very nice place to meet folks (and maybe troll for dates ;)).  Much healthier environment and people there than, say, a bar, a rave, or the local floating craps game.