One of the most challenging things my clients struggle with is keeping up their motivation to workout. I have written and rewritten this blog on paper and in my head a thousand times this month trying to find the right words to address this. Every time it came out so cheesy!
Like that ‘you can do it!!!’, peppy, gag in your mouth bullsh@&!!!!!
Literally hated every line I wrote, because when it comes to keeping up your motivation to workout, it takes much more than a snappy catch phrase that is going to get you through whatever exercise you are working on. It takes MENTAL STRENGTH.
But first, I think we should start by defining what the actual heck is mental strength. Mental strength is a person’s ability to retain mental resilience and confidence while facing difficult situations. The type of difficult situations that are physically and mentally exhausting.
So how do you get it besides overwhelming snappy quotes and catchphrases (ohhhh I am sooo guilty of posting them. I love them by the way). They are great. But in the moment when you really need motivation to workout you are going to need a little more than a few words to get you through.
Instead of giving you a bunch of generic tips I am going to really delve into it by telling you about what I do for my own motivation to workout – or get through my workout. Some of it’s a little cray cray but it works for me!!!
MENTAL STRENGTH FOR FITNESS
If you follow me you know that I am a personal trainer, and I have been in the fitness industry for over 8 years. In that time I learned a lot of internal cues and triggers that keep me going.
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Let’s rewind a little bit…. Without getting too technical there are two types of mental strength cues I am going to cover: INTERNAL CUES (self talk, internal motivation) and EXTERNAL CUES (like music and snappy catch phrases).
When I think about mental strength I envision something gritty, you know, like something that is tough as nails, something that has weathered the storm and not only survives but thrives.
So the first thing you have to do is to believe you CAN. That no matter what is laid before you, the first thing is believing in yourself!
THE MOTIVATION TO KEEP GOING
I am a survivor of a lot of things: Mental, physical and sexual abuse. I have been through lots of storms in my lifetime that little-by-little I have chosen to use to my advantage to make me a little more tough.
When I am in the middle of working out and I am sweating, tired, out of breath (feeling like I am about to die…yes this happens to trainers too) I draw on that power/energy from my past and use it to drive me forward. If I can weather that kind storm I know that I can get that last rep or I can hold that plank just a little bit longer.
But this takes time, it takes practice and it takes choosing to use those past situations in a positive manner. It took me years to master this!!!! If you are easily triggered, this may be something you want to try a little at a time.
THE POWER OF VISIONING
You may think I am crazy but when I am on the treadmill and my lungs are burning and I just don’t think I can carry on, I envision myself as a warrior (it sounds crazy, but literally it’s a full on Lord of The Rings scene in my brain). I envision the adrenaline it must take to be in battle. I can hear the sounds of battle in my head. My heart beats faster as my horse takes off and we ride over the hill into the thick of the fighting.
I know it sounds crazy. Again, you have to be open trying it and believing it will work. You never know, your imagination might take you to winning a race or competing in a Ninja Warrior Competition. You just have to envision something that gets the blood pumping.
SOUND CAN BE VERY MOTIVATING
Sound is another thing I use, if I feel myself slowing down, I will clap my hands loud (I know I must look crazy as) but I ACTUALLY DO THIS!!! Or I talk to myself outloud. By getting out of my own head I am focusing on the physical sounds outside of my body. It takes my attention off of the burning of my legs or whatever it is that makes me want to quit.
Also, the way I count reps is EXTREMELY IMPORTANT. Let’s say I am doing something that has a lot of reps (it could be 25 or more). I break the reps down into multiples. I will count 5, five times, instead of the full 25. This is a mental trick that manipulates your brain to think of a more manageable number.
People who say they don’t need music to workout disturb me, because they are on a whole other level of mental strength:) As an external que, music is something I use not only as a motivation to workout, but also as a motivation to push myself hard. I really enjoy hard rock music when I workout. It really gets me in the zone. I can workout without music, but I prefer to have it.
MUSIC SELECTION IS EVERYTHING. I like music that has a fast beat that is very loud. It just makes my heart rate get up there!!! My music has to be loud, angry and full of guitar. It’s just what gets me going! But some people like dance music, hip-hop or pop. Choose what works best for you.
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FINDING THE RIGHT MOTIVATION TO EXERCISE IS AN ONGOING PRACTICE
Listen no one is perfect. THERE ARE TIMES WHEN THESE THINGS DON’T EVEN WORK FOR ME as a motivation to workout. Let’s be honest here, there have been times when I drop to my knees when holding a plank and times when I don’t.
The point I am trying to make is not only do these mental strength practices take time and CONSISTENCY TO LEARN, but also fitness is one place that you are ACTUALLY SUPPOSED TO FAIL.
Think about it: If you can do 20 straight bicep curls with 10 lb dumbbells and not get tired then you are not progressing. It’s when you reach absolute muscle failure that your muscle strength will start to increase. You can only do this by making it more difficult to challenge your body.
Also, give yourself some grace. Mental strength is hard especially when your body is rebelling against you to stop what you are doing because it burns*. So, if you fall short on something, don’t give up, just keep practicing on a consistent basis and it will get stronger.
And don’t forget to reach out to me for more motivation tips for your workouts!
Remember, you got this!
Lyndsey
*EDITOR’S NOTE: Peaceful Living Wellness does advise reaching a point of pain during any form of exercise. Please note that exercise induced “burn” should be taken with caution. If any point of discomfort becomes pain, please consult your physician as soon as possible.
Lyndsey Bobola understands the struggles of losing weight and getting healthy. She has lost over 65 pounds through her fitness journey. Breaking through the fad diets and exercise routines and giving up excuses, Lyndsey created goals and developed nutrition plans that worked! She gained a healthy lifestyle and now feels better than ever before. As her life improved, Lyndsey developed a passion to help others discover the path to a healthier life.
Now, Lyndsey is here to help clients cut through the noise of Instagram fitness models and fad diets to find real, lasting change. She is here to help people who are ready to improve their life through fitness, health, and life goals.
Scrolling through Instagram accounts of so-called fitness models, Pinterest meal prep ideas, and online workout programs with no scientific backing, Lyndsey realized a majority of fitness ideas online are wrong. They are designed for quick but not lasting results, to make you feel inadequate, or to get your money and leave you hanging. Lyndsey wants to change that through education and hands-on training. Taking no excuses, she provides honest and effective guidance for people who are ready for change.
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