Previously in my last podcast, I laid out the 5 most common roadblocks that hinder our way to a successful workout. Our minds are so powerful, they control everything our minds think and our bodies feel. So shaking off the negative feelings we have going into our exercise would be super beneficial to get us, and keep us motivated.
#1 Doubting Yourself… The Challenger: Confidence
When we are young, our parents ask us what we want to be when we grow up, and any answer that you give is absolutely possible. No one ever says, “Well little Joey, I’m sorry it’s just not possible for you to be an astronaut…” It’s downright mean and simply not true, you can 100% do what you put your mind to.
I can’t tell you how many times I demonstrate to a client the next exercise, and they are like, “What?! No, I can’t do that, you’re killing me…” My response, “You completely can, lose that thought and give it a try.” And after they conquer it, their self-confidence soars, and it should. Flip that switch and believe you can do it!
#2 Comparing Yourself To Others… The Challenger: Compare Yourself to You…
The fact is, each of us is uniquely different, and if you ask me, that’s pretty awesome. It would be so taxing to have to match up to the “better clone” of you. (thinking emoji here) Each of us has a unique genetic make-up, and learning to accept that and be ok with that will march you forward. You simply can’t compare yourself to the woman, who (with no matter what she does, can’t gain weight). You can’t morph into her, so why waste your time beating yourself up.
Instead, compare yourself to the you from yesterday. Challenge him or her. So you ran for 20 minutes yesterday, I bet you can get 25 in today! Or holding that pose longer than yesterday, or waking up just a little earlier tomorrow then you did yesterday… these are your healthy comparisons, and essentially is healthy competition to create the best version of you.
#3 It’s Either All or Nothing… The Challenger: Healthy, Sustainable Habits
I personally used to beat myself up about not finishing a run of 60 minutes, or missing my evening workouts. That set me up for saying to myself, “Well I only have a half-hour here, and then I’m busy the rest of the day… guess I’m not getting a workout in today…” all or nothing mindset has to really go out the window.
Rather, recognize that your lifestyle goal is to live a healthier and more fit life. A recommendation is to get a fitness journal and write down your goals of let’s say working out 5 days a week, and when something comes up, you can navigate a way to fix it so you don’t miss those workouts. Or one day you may get that run in, but the next day you have 20 minutes to walk and do a series of planks. Instead of holding yourself to such a rigorous unsustainable schedule, realize you are working towards creating maintaining a habitual healthy lifestyle.
#4 Fitness is a “Want to Do”… The Challenger: Fitness is a “Need to Do”
Working out should become a part of your life. Since the caveman days, our bodies were meant to work hard and be physical. Times have changed, but our need for physical activity has not. The term “use it or lose it,” reigns true here. If you want to live a strong and healthier lifestyle, you have to commit to some type of physical activity. It’s different for everyone, so you should find what works for you.
I love working out, but I’ll admit there are days that I may not be in the mood for whatever reason. But I’m committed to my health. I may not “want” to do it, but I “need” to do it. It’s like anything in life. You may not always want to go to the doctor, but you know you need to.
#5 Negative Feelings and Emotions… The Challenger: Commitment
Ever hear someone say, “ I was working out for awhile but my marriage has been pretty rocky and I just haven’t been feeling like it lately.”? This comment screams I’m emotionally distraught and too stressed to do it. Really, this is even more reason to stay on the high road with your fitness program. You will feel better mentally and physically. Getting out all your frustration and pain in your workouts will help you through tough times. You will get the endorphins going and feel so much better after you finished.
I know sometimes the anticipation of working out, when your stressed or sad can seem daunting, but pushing through and getting it done grants you with rewards of satisfaction both physically and mentally.
When these mental roadblocks surface, the best thing to do is to acknowledge them, make peace with them, then barrel through them. You really ARE stronger than you think!