06/03/2020
(Mindset and exercise)
Your mindset when working out plays a huge role in performance; this is something I try to drill into my clients. If you think you can’t do something and tell yourself you can’t, then guess what... you’re probably not going to do it, chances are, you won’t even try it!
When it comes to training, whether it be weightlifting, endurance, weight loss, strength, competing or just generally trying to get a little healthier a positive mindset and attitude is essential.
Before you go to the gym what are you telling yourself? Are you thinking positive motivating messages? For example; “I’m going to smash this workout” “I can’t wait to get to the gym” “I feel strong and full of energy”
As you feel yourself fatiguing toward the end of a heavy workout and that deep burn inside the muscle toward the end of a set, what messages are you sending yourself? Are you saying “keep going” “you can do it” “push” or are saying “I’m tired now” “I can’t wait to finish” “how long left now” “I can’t do this” The effect these negative messages can have on performance is scary.
Positive thoughts when exercising can help push the brain to go that extra mile, smash your last squat PB or do those extra 5 burpees, as well as boosting awareness of your performance and progress throughout a session.
According to the research, which was published in the journal Health Psychology, http://www.apa.org/pubs/journals/releases/hea-hea0000531.pdf ) the way you think about your workouts may have actual effects on your well-being and overall health.
Becoming aware of your own thoughts and messages before and during exercise and recognising negative comparisons or restrictive thinking as its happening is the first step to altering these negative thought patterns. Before your next workout try thinking positive affirmations, when in the changing room just before you hit the gym or in the car on the way to the gym. Anything like “Today I’m going to perform to the best of my ability” “I will achieve my goals” “I feel good and full of energy, I can do this” This applies for the end of a workout too! Give yourself credit for all the hard work and stop comparing yourself to others, believe in yourself, be positive, be grateful have focus and patience and replace the “I CANT” for “I CAN”
