How do you push past the feeling of defeat? We all hit walls in our training and need to dig deep to find our inner strength. This power is mentally and emotionally driven. It’s what makes us champions and winners that will take us to the next level. Being able to push past this roadblock will make you mentally and physically stronger.
Do you have what it takes to push beyond your desire to quit?
Lets review some tips to help you get there.
Visualize your success- Some of the top athletes visualize their success before the big game. Michael Jordan use to visualize the moves he would make, getting the ball when the game was on the line and making the basket at the buzzer. The art of visualization can make your mind believe the act is actually happening. Before the workout, visualize all components, the sight, sound and feel of the act to achieve the full effect. Visualize your workout, your routine and the feeling you have when you have accomplished a great workout.
Stay positive – Say words like “I will” to get through your workout. “I will” finish this set. “I will” lose 10 pounds. “I will” fit into these jeans. Using positive words will keep you focused. If you say it, you will be more likely to do it.
Stay focused on your goals – Whether it is an image, an “I will” statement or an upcoming picture of your vacation, think about the ultimate reward for your hard work. Post it on your refrigerator, mirror and desk at work so that you can see your goals daily.
I used to write down my workout of the day in my calendar for that week. I would cross out the days that I had worked out using a blue marker and a red marker for the days that I missed and posted it right by my bed. When I started to see more red crosses appear I became mad and determined that I needed to workout that minute. It kept me focused on my goals and I didn’t stray much. Needless to say there were not many red marks. Write down your goals, workouts, and meals and post them!
Keep your workouts interesting – Change up your workouts. Getting on the elliptical everyday can get pretty boring. By taking different classes or doing challenges like those from ForwardFit.com you will bring excitement to your workouts. Do boxing one day, plyometrics the next and so on. Keep it interesting so you can be excited about the upcoming workout. Not only will this help you mentally, it benefits you physically by keeping your muscles always guessing. Try this months “Workout Challenge of the Month” from ForwardFit!
Listen to power music – Put some good tunes on your IPod and crank it! Music puts us in a happy place and can help get you motivated to keep going. Put together a playlist of songs that really pump you up and keep you going. If you know that around 30 minutes into your workout you tend to feel fatigued and unmotivated, make sure that a song comes on that can really bring your spirits back up and keeps you going strong to the finish.
Schedule a day of rest – Not only will having a rest day help you recover so you can hit it hard again the following day, but it gives you something to look forward to. If you know that tomorrow is a rest day and all you have to do is get through this one hour, you might be more inclined to push as you will be rewarded tomorrow.
Try some of these tips to help get you through a sluggish workout and start saying phrases like, “I will conquer today’s workout!”
-Bill Waltzek