You Are What You Think
While being utterly thrilled about a workout is probably asking too much, it's possible to change how you approach your workouts so that it feels less like a chore and more like something you might enjoy.
The key is to change how you think about your workouts. Instead of looking at it like one more obligation to fulfill, you could look at it as much-needed time away from the stress of work or as a time to immerse yourself in something physical while letting your mind run free.
Those are just a couple of ideas and I've highlighted a few others in my article about negative thinking, but I'm curious about how you think about exercise. How do you talk yourself into (or out of) your workouts? Does negative thinking interfere with your exercise program? Leave a comment and tell us what you think.
Comments
I find setting goals as a way to avoid the workout. Lift 5 more pounds, or 5 more minutes on the stairs. Without the goals it just feels like an endless session just to maintain current weight and strength.
Two lines of thinking help me: 1) I try to remember how good I feel afterwards and 2) It’s not up for negotiation whether I will exercise or not.
I just remind myself that once I’m there, it’ll be okay. While it’s helpful to get pumped up mentally prior to a hard work out, the biggest effect on the work out is really just showing up. I know that if I just drag my butt in there and start warming up, next thing you know I’ll be breaking personal records! So, as Nike says, “Just Do It”
I look forward to exercise and wish I had time to do more. I try to remember these four things:
Those who do not make time for exercise, will eventually be forced to make time for illness.
That I really like being alive, so exercise is not really optional.
Exercise relieves stress, nothing relieves exercise.
Yipee! Another opportunity to kick the Grim Reaper’s ass!
I look at working out as an opportunity for me to release some steam instead of punching someone, which is necessary as a college student. It has helped me cope with college life, and I look forward to doing it because I feel better afterwards.
I look at working out as an opportunity for me to release some steam instead of punching someone, which is very neccessary as a college student. I look forward to doing it each time because I know that I’ll feel better afterwards.
‘mlb’ says it for me. In the mid-50’s I started working out for vanity’s sake. Today, I work out 90 minutes each day for health, but, still, mostly for vanity, and how good I feel afterwards; and whether I like it or not, ‘it’s not up for negotiation’. Thanks ‘mlb’.
Thanks Brad; while ‘mlb’ said it succinctly, I wish my loved ones who don’t exercise, would read your terse and splendid tenet.
I love the social aspect of fitness classes. There is also a competition factor there because you want to do well in front of others. I finally became a fitness instructor, so I HAVE to show up!
I don’t have a problem getting to the gym, it’s only during the difficult exercises, or the ones that I enjoy, that my mind gets defeated.
Suppose, I am running on the treadmill, at a speed of 9.0, for say 5 minutes, I constantly keep looking at the timer, and when I know, that I’v completed 5, I get tired in the mind, and want to stop and walk for the next 2 or 3 minutes before I could start running again.
Though, many times, I feel, I am actually capable of running for 8 continuous minutes, I get tired in the mind soon. During these times, I will imagine, how, I would look with a thin, mean look, and I will start imagining the clothes that I’ll get to where, and the parties that I can go to, and how, I’d be back with full of life and energy and how much fun and good looking I can get back to being
This motivates me, this drives me to run those extra 3 minutes. I keep saying, this is not going to kill you, you can do better than this, you can definitely do that extra minute, you are better than this, I’d imagine the expressions, and genuine disappointment on faces of people who laugh at me being what I am now.
That’s how I motivate myself, to overcome negative thoughts and getting defeated in the mind. It’s a great feeling when you start seeing results, and lesser number in the scales !
doing my workout is my way of having a guaranteed victory for the day. Exercising first thing in the morning ensures I get it done. Besides what else can you do at 5:00 AM ???
I don’t workout…technically. I go out to play. I mountain bike through gorgeous woods, I play tennis, coach kids basketball…games/sports are a way to be a kid. When I used to go to gym I would look at around at everyone annoyed that they had to carve out time in the day for this (except that one girl cranking on the tread mill). I’m thinner than I ever was and I laugh so hard at the people with whom I ride. Rain or snow…we get muddy like we’re kids. I have quick strength building routine at home to help me ride/play better.
To Ted: What else can you do”! At 5:00AM I’m usually having sex, which is it’s own form of exercise.
i hate excercise period! but once i start im good! and energetic! besides i love all the postive comments i get from my hubby and friend!
I’m a personal trainer and competitor, so I admit that I am one of those “sick” people that truly loves working out. It is my hobby and it makes me feel good. But I think the real key as to why I enjoy it so much is because I don’t compare myself to other people. I worry about what I need to do and what’s good for me — not about how skinny someone else is, or how much weight other people are lifting. Everyone is at different levels, has different body types, and sees success in health and fitness at their own pace. If you’re making an effort — good for you and enjoy every minute of it! : )
“Your are what you eat…”
Meaning: The notion that to be fit and healthy you need to eat good food.
Origin: This phrase has come to us via quite a tortuous route. Anthelme Brillat-Savarin wrote, in Physiologie du Gout, ou Meditations de Gastronomie Transcendante, 1826:
“Dis-moi ce que tu manges, je te dirai ce que tu es.” [Tell me what you eat and I will tell you what you are].
In an essay entitled Concerning Spiritualism and Materialism, 1863/4, Ludwig Andreas Feuerbach wrote:
“Der Mensch ist, was er ißt.”
That translates into English as ‘man is what he eats’.
“You are what you think…”
Health and fitness are a lifelong endeavor. Attitude is a big part of any diet/exercise regimen. My personal mantra:
1) Short term and long term goals.
2) Commitment to meeting the goals.
3) Mental attitude changes – there is no excuse for skipping an exercise, only valid reasons.
4) Permanent lifestyle changes – balance diet and exercise, keep a positive outlook.
You are what you are… Be the master of your own destiny. Take control of your own life - others can inspire you, but motivation can only come from within.
To quote Mr. Spock of Star Trek: live long and prosper.
I work out early and, yes, some days I am really tired. But I go for the companionship and encouragement of others in the classes I attend. But I still go on days when there are no 5:45am class(the habit is ingrained now), just to do something to get my circulation going, because it makes my whole day better! Also, on those “alone” days, I get in some meditation and reading that I so seldom get to do any other time of the day. During the summer, when school is out, most days I still make my 5:45 classes and I joyfully extend my workout after class and even get in some time in the steamroom! Once a good habit is formed, it should be nurtured. Hope to see you in the gym tomorrow bright and early!
i havent been at the gym for two months and i feel terrible so i keep telling myself im going the next day and i end up not going. the excuse i always give myself when i dont go is i was to busy or its raining or no one wants to come with us. i love it when im at the gym i just dont like the thought of going there doing the same thing over and over and over again. i also like the way i look n i dance and go out alot so i guess i have no really good reason why i should go to the gym.
In a way, I feel like Handy, “i love it when im at the gym i just dont like the thought of going there… i also like the way i look…so i guess i have no really good reason why i should go to the gym.”
For me, going there and the first 10 minutes are the worst. Once I get going, things start looking up; except the days I feel weak. So, to motivate myself to go, I say to myself “gym time is non-negotiable on these days of the week, and if I do enough on those days I can negotiate with myself on the other days.” And on the days when I’m already at the gym but am feeling weak and frustrated, I tell myself, “I’m already here; finish the workout and maybe I can take tomorrow off…”
To me, the workout is still “one more obligation to fill” and I don’t really have a goal except to put in my time and mark on the calendar when I get home that I went to the gym that day.
I just have problems getting there, or if I’m working out at home, the problem would be getting out of bed early enough and getting my sweats on. But I just tell myself that once I’ve done that, the hardest is over. I’m not gonna get dressed and then not work out… plus I try to think about how good I feel afterward…
What do you mean, “feel good afterwards”? What feels good?
I feel tired, like I neglected other responsibilities, sore, rushed, frustrated, and hungry.
i enjoyed reading these comments!
5am, asleep of having sex or at least cuddling with my husband b4 the day kicks off. exercise is a must, and most days yes i do say to myself..dam, i just sat down and got a break..and i know i gotta go exercise sooner rather than later!..i get er dun more or less. i have to work around a 3yr old so, its a workout video or my bowflex with the tv to keep my brain from thinking of all i Should Be Doing. I will also pack her up in the stroller and go for a big 1 hour power walk around the neighborhood. I take in the beauty and try to stay clear of free dogs who like to intimidate (we live in the country!) I also do alot of outside yard work, and clean a 2400 sq ft home and wash clothes and chase a kid and 3 dogs around all day….when do I NOT EXERCISE? 