Luke Skywalker used the force...why can't you? The imagination is a powerful tool and one you can use for your exercise routines. If you've ever drifted off in the middle of a boring meeting (dreaming of a leisurely day at the beach), you already know how to do it. Your body LIKES activity (really!). It's your mind that's the problem, so you have to convince it that there really is a good reason to exercise. Here's how to use your mind over matter capabilities:
- Make a deal with yourself. You'll exercise for 15 minutes and if you still REALLY don't want to continue, then you can stop. 9 times out of 10 you'll keep going.
- Give yourself a reward. If you finish your workout, give yourself something nice. A new pair of shoes, an hour reading your favorite book, a massage, etc.
- Visualize. Athletes often visualize themselves winning a race to get themselves pumped up. You can do the same thing by picturing yourself going through your workout from beginning to end. How do you feel when you're finished? How many miles did you walk or run? Visualize your success and make it happen.
- Pretend. Sometimes I pretend that I'm in a race and, if I win, I get a million dollars. True, it's weird, but it keeps me going when I get tired. Pretend that you're racing to catch a bus, or that if you make it home in a certain amount of time, Nike will be there to put you in one of their 'Just Do It' commercials. You'll be rich and famous!
- Working things out. My favorite thing about running is that it gives me quiet time to think about any problems I'm facing. Use your workout time to work through problems. You'll be amazed at the results!
Changing your lifestyle to include exercise is no easy task and the most important thing you'll do is adjust your attitude. Thinking about exercise as an obligation will never motivate you to do it. Instead, treat exercise like a break from a stressful day, a reward for a body that has worked so hard for you all day long and as something that deserves a reward at the end.
