|
Let's gear up for exercise, that is! It's almost
fall, we're back to our routines, and we've got a bit of time before those
eating holidays come around. Whether we continue to exercise outdoors or bring
it into the gym, let's gear up, get the habit going again, and let's do it
for our waistline and our health. How? Let's turn our attention
to the pro's for a moment. Ever become mesmerized watching athletes
perform? Ever wonder how athletes can train so hard for so many hours, or
perform under such extreme pressure? Well, there are many variables to
this of course, but let's start with a little Sports Psychology to
gear us up!
Sports Psychology simply put, refers
to gearing our minds up for the task! To make the most of our exercise
program, to stay motivated during our workout and to achieve our goals, we
need more than getting to the gym (at least some of the time it
does, since we're not striving for perfection!). When we apply our mind,
we not only train our brain to focus on the task at hand, but we get a lot more
out of it physically too. We've all heard about the mind-body connection, so
here are a few tips to gear up for a great exercise session for us
non-professional athletes.
Let's
- Make a Plan. Making a plan
or goal before we hit the gym will more likely help us to focus
once we're there. This is similar to what psychologists call "priming". Of
course, once we're feeling great during our exercise session, we can always do
more than our set goal!
- Focus. Focus is "directed
attention" to a specific task. I love chatting with my friends at the gym, but
I try to make it a quick hello until I'm done. Focus also means that we stay
in the moment (leave work and all else behind). Focusing
will likely help our workout, and refresh us for the stressors we will face
when we head back to work or life after our workout.
- Make it a Mind- Body
Connection. When we focus on our exercise form, focus on the
muscles we're using, and watch ourselves in the mirror, we not only make
an exercise more effective, but more interesting. Working a particular body
part? Focus on that area of the body by squeezing, while relaxing other
areas.
- Self -Talk. Let's
become our own coach! Do we Feel like quitting our exercise session a
little sooner? Let's practice self -talk like an athlete. I usually tell
myself "okay June, do just another 5 minutes and then quit if you still
feel like it" or "do just one more exercise June, then quit". Many times, this
helps me past my unmotivated phase. I also try then to shift my
thoughts from the time left to the task at hand!
- Imagine it and Make it
Happen! Research has shown that imagery can be a powerful
motivator. Research has also shown that when we believe we can
accomplish something, we are more likely to accomplish it! Imagine getting
ready to exercise, going through the routine, finishing, and feeling a sense
of accomplishment. Let's imagine getting closer to our goals.
Athletes go through years practicing many of the
above techniques and more. We may not be athletes, but we can practice some of
these to motivate, maximize and enjoy our exercise programs. And of
course this may help us to reach our goals too!
Here's to "Gearing up, for
Exercise that is!
|
As founder and director of The Nutrition at E.K.C. in New York City, June provides counseling in several specialized areas including Health & Fitness Assessments, weight loss, and sports nutrition for the active.
June's background includes her educational and practical experience which spans Exercise Science, Nutrition, and Behavioral Science. She is certified as a Lifestyle Counselor by the A
|
