(HealthyLifeHacks.net) – We all want to get the most from our workouts. Seriously, if we’re going to go to the effort of working up a sweat, it needs to be worth our while. Still, getting a satisfying return on all that pain and exhaustion often feels easier said than done.
Mentality could be part of the issue. We can’t just go through the motions if we want to see real progress, but finding the right approach to exercise effectively isn’t always easy. To get the results we want, we might need to exercise more than our bodies; we may need to tap into the power of our minds as well.
Empowering the Body
Exercise doesn’t always come naturally, especially for those of us who are a little out of practice — and that’s the key word here: practice.
We can become more effective at just about any task we take on with repetition, and that doesn’t always have to include breaking a sweat. Researchers have found we can improve physical performance by practicing mentally between actual sessions.
When we visualize ourselves practicing specific sets of moves, our brains reinforce the same pathways they would if we were physically going through each step. It’s a lot like using a simulator, which can help users focus on their mechanics without the risk of injury. Mental workouts might not directly increase strength or stamina, but they might improve muscle memory — which could mean more confidence and fewer mistakes when it’s actually time to get moving.
Imagining Greatness
Using imagery can also help us focus more clearly on our goals, which might make them more achievable. No one transforms their body without first having a clear vision of what they want to accomplish. Imagine the endpoint, how great those thighs and abs will look and how incredible it will feel to be in such great shape.
Psychology Today stresses the importance of imagining our goals. We start off strong when we go in believing our efforts will make a difference. We also give ourselves the best shot of succeeding when we can psyche ourselves up and go in with high energy and a positive attitude. How we approach our workouts can be just as important as the types of exercise we choose. We’re more likely to commit and put more of ourselves into each session if we feel good about what we’re doing, and when we put our full effort into every workout, that’s when we start to see real results.
The mind is a powerful tool, and how we use it affects every challenge we take on. The act of imagining, simple as it is, could be that final element — that push to stay motivated, put in our all and continue to move toward our goals. Dream it and believe in it, and that strong, healthy, beautiful body can become a reality.
~ Here’s To Your Healthiest Life!
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