Getting Through a Tough Workout
The urge to keep going often comes from the responsible part of you - the one that reminds you of the fact that you've planned this workout, you've already gotten started on it...why stop now? Another part of you is telling that other part to shut up. Sometimes, it's a good idea to stop and try another day but, other times, it may just pay off to keep going. Sometimes, it's those tough-to-finish workouts that give us the most confidence, the most satisfaction and the most strength. If you want to keep going, you may need a few mental tricks to silence that part of you that just wants to give up. My latest article, Getting Through a Tough Workout, offers some ideas for how to do it.
If you have any thoughts or insights, let us know in comments.
Comments
I’m a swimmer, and sometimes the thought of getting in the pool makes me want to hide in the shower and never come out. So I think about how great it will feel to win the meet. Or how much I want to beat my rivals. It really works! And sometimes during the workout, I want to swim to the bottom of the pool and hide until my coach leaves so I can run and hide, again, in the shower. But if I focus on something else, like singing or my technique, I finish the set without another thought about quiting.
I’ve just read your article on walking. It says I should be walking at the rate of 4mph. I’m almost 73 and walk almost every day on my treadmill. I walk 4.4 to 4.5 miles in an hour. Is that good enough for me? Also, should I increase my time or intensity?
Sometimes what I do is stop what I’m doing and just walk at a brisk pace. This serves as a “rest” period for me and it tends to recharge me so I can get back on my workout routine.