Get a greater workout
Published 8:00 am Thursday, December 4, 2014
Think about your exercise routine. Is it just that? A routine? Do you find yourself going through the motions, unaware of what you’re training? Slogging through 4-plus similar workouts a week? Perhaps thinking about what to eat or how you’re trying to “lose something,” rather than looking to accomplish something? Don’t feel alone. It happens to just about everybody at some point. When it comes to your workout, an automated mindset will definitely hold you back. Our brains love developing patterns and, if you don’t slow down and focus, you will continue to get the same results. Here are a few tips to promote your awareness and enhance your workout.
Think about every movement.
It’s tempting to want to rush through a workout but, when it comes to results, it’s quality over quantity that matters. Slow down. Try focusing on your breathing and isolating your movement. Think about each ache you are feeling. If you’re still thinking about the number of calories you’re trying to burn, then you’ll be happy to know that your body burns 3 times the calories when you’re oxygenated.
Focus on positive gains and goals, not “losing” things.
Positive thinking acts like a guide and helps lead you to your goals and achievements. Exercising is not a cumulative mission to lose weight. Let me make it simple: Stop thinking about the things you don’t want (jiggly things, etc.) and focus on what you do want, like lowering your resting pulse rate, lowering your blood pressure, being able to get into those fancy jeans. Setting goals, reaching them, and re-setting them will encourage good efforts. When you look at yourself daily, take time to notice the positive changes that are taking place alongside your diligent efforts. Realize that your body and your mind are intimately connected; positive thinking begets positive results.
Stop, visualize, repeat step one, and visualize once more.
If you can visualize yourself doing something, you’ve got the talent to do it. When you’re working out, visualize how you want to look. Then take it a step further and think about how you want to feel when you’re doing said exercise. Think about the muscles you’re trying to engage. You have to change the feelings behind your workout. Workouts should be viewed as a chance to accomplish something new every time, not as “something you have to do.” Once you try it this way, you’ll see why people enjoy working out.
With the New Year approaching, everybody is going to want to start “working out.” Do yourself a favor and follow these tips. They’ll improve your workouts and help achieve your goals.