How To Stay Mentally Tough During a Workout

You’ve been there — we’ve all been there — during a workout: you are dripping sweat, out of breath and ready to surrender. You are thinking I must be out of shape! Thats not entirely true. Your mind and body greatly influence one another, and you could just be mentally flabby. Even non-exercise-aholics can benefit from getting their minds in fighting shape. Mental strength boosts your self-esteem, not just during your elliptical marathon but across every aspect of your life.

So, how do you whip your mind into shape? Enter the adage “Practice makes perfect.” By consistently practicing a few choice tactics, you will not only be able to get through your workout but you will really be able to appreciate it and actually enjoy it.

Pre-Workout Prep

Make a playlist

Music gives you extra pep in your step when you’d rather be anywhere else. Update your playlist often and pay attention to the songs’ order. Strategically place upbeat tunes at the middle and end to combat mental exhaustion. If you are getting tired of your music talk to friends and see what songs motivate them to work out and try those out!

Develop an inspirational manifesto

A list of three or four fitness goals will encourage you and serve as an ongoing pep talk delivered to you by, well, you. Stick to positive words and be very specific.  Sign up for that race to give yourself a deadline and something to work towards.  And have the integrity to follow through!

Mid-Workout Motivation

Get comfortable being uncomfortable

Toned muscles don’t just happen. You have to work them beyond what’s comfortable, to the point of complete fatigue. Embrace the sensation by affirming out loud that pain is all part of the plan.  Learn to love it, you will begin to crave that burning because that is when you will know you are working hard!

Stare at the results

Your new shapeliness, stamina and strength will keep you coming back for more. Look down at your body or in the mirror while working out. See only the good: the emerging muscle, the nicer lines. Consciously make a link of your investment with the results.

Post-Workout Reflection

Focus on times when you were tough

Take pride in the moments you climbed over a mental wall during your workout. Staying in an exercise for even 10 more seconds helps the mind, and muscles, grow stronger. Before you know it, you’ll have the endurance to withstand an even more intense fitness routine.

Forgive and forget

Let go of any moments of mental weakness. Dwelling on the negative only drags you down; instead, be your own best cheerleader. Remember what you did right and challenge yourself to push through next time. Mental toughness is only as hard as we perceive it to be. Perceive it to be no big deal and yourself to be one tough cookie.

Source: Live Better America