More tips to keep you motivated to exercise and just to get started on
days you don't feel like it. These
are fun, mind games - to keep you going when its time to "get out
there" but you would rather stay in bed.
days you don't feel like it. These
are fun, mind games - to keep you going when its time to "get out
there" but you would rather stay in bed.
Don't forget that exercise gives you energy and lifts your spirits - so
just start for 5 mins - and momentum will take over. I hope you enjoy them.
Please let me know if you want more ideas or share your own.
just start for 5 mins - and momentum will take over. I hope you enjoy them.
Please let me know if you want more ideas or share your own.
5 great tips to keep you motivated during exercise.
THINK! Think about
what would motivate you to keep going vs. letting your "chatterbox of
doubt" make you give up or fail. If you just use a little
creativity, you will find hundreds of ways to keep going. These are my
top 5 when I am out for a run.
1. Pretend you are leading a class of new
runners. In your head, imagine what you would be telling them about
proper running style. What foods to eat, how to prepare with good clothes
and shoes (what do you personally like to recommend). Is there something,
like tension socks or runners gadgets you think are worthwhile to invest in?
Then tell them about breathing, stride, pacing, interval training, best
posture, the importance of warming up and cooling down, stretching.
By the time you have finished telling "your class" about the
joys of running, you will be done with your own run.
2. Imagine you are on a TV program.
Similar to above, but when I do this, I imagine I am in the middle of
some endurance test (even if it is 5K) and explaining why I run and a little of
my history and when I started running. I "talk" about all the
benefits I get from running and exercise in my life and about other exercise I
do to keep my body in shape. Again, by giving this your full focus, you
will not consider stopping for a moment - how would that look on national
television?
3. Pray. It does not have to be 12
Our Fathers and Hail Mary's, (however I did do this once during a 10K race
through London - partly because I didn't really have time to train for the 10K
and had been only doing 5K's, and it was my first 10K). But you can also
use the time to be thankful for everything you have in your life and break it
down. I think of people, starting with family, then friends, then
neighbours, and other people I regularly see, but not socially.
Then I think of health,
and break down my whole body into sections. I thank my body areas one by
one for the work they do to help me run. Starting with the toes for the
balance they give my body, and work my way up...ball and heal of
feet/knees/thighs/legs for the power they bring to the run etc. Then
heart, blood cells, muscles, stomach (nutrition), even sweat to keep you cool
etc..., if you break your body up into the fine detail, you can spend 30
minutes or more preoccupying your mind.
4. Break up your even into smaller chunks.
Like I tell my marathon runners, "It is simply 4 x 10Ks with a
little extra on the end. In any race, the last 1k is mainly for you to
savour the cheers from your fans when you finish your marathon. Even if
it is a smaller run or walk, break up each 1K into a project. Sing a song
on the first one, think of your favourite holiday and relive it on the second
1K, etc...
5. Rewards. As my partner would
advise, have an ice cold beer waiting for you when you return. I would
suggest a healthier reward but no matter what it is, at least you will have
deserved it.
Enjoy your exercise but
more importantly, enjoy using the creativity of your brilliant mind.
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