5 Mind Hacks for Exercise Motivation

          Let’s face it if you don’t love exercising, are just starting out or are low on energy you may find it difficult to build the momentum to get started and then be consistent on even the simplest work out plan. Even though many of us believe it’s the physical exertion we’re feeling apprehensive about, the truth is overcoming mental blocks surrounding exercise is the bigger challenge. It is easier to train the body to adapt than to train the brain. I want to share a few quick hacks I implement when I am feeling unmotivated that help me to instantly find enough drive to crush those excuses! Before I share these helpful tips I want us to keep a few things in mind.

The first thing I believe everyone should keep in mind is how versatile exercise can be and that there isn’t a “one size fits all” workout plan for everybody or every body. We all have different interests, likes, goals and are at different fitness levels. Please know and understand you can achieve your goals without completely scaring the shit out of yourself.

Secondly it is beneficial for one to determine what kind of exercise they are likely to enjoy. Trying to force yourself to do anything will automatically create resistance and you will be off that workout plan just as fast as you started.

Third thing to keep in mind is that the key to success in anything is getting started. Whether we’re referring to fat loss, the lotto or love, you’ve got to be in it to win it.

 Now here are some ways that can help you light the fire to take off.  

1-The 15 Minute Game- This tip is an oldie but a goodie! On those days when you’re feeling like you really don’t have it in you, commit to doing just 15 minutes of your workout. You more than likely are going to want to continue as your blood starts pumping and your body becomes warm and energized. If you do decide that the 15 minutes was all you could manage you can give yourself props that you at least did that. With this approach the only way to totally count yourself out is if you decide to do nothing at all.

2-Wear Cute Workout Clothes- Don’t underestimate the effect that sprucing yourself up can have on your mental energy towards yourself. When you’re wearing that dress or outfit that compliments your unique body shape perfectly you can’t help but to walk with your head a little higher. Looking good only leads to feeling good as it can be a great esteem booster. Most of us women love dressing up for something, the mere act of getting cute can inspire you to take further actions toward being your best version. Get matching sets; play with wild colors and funky designs. Add in accessories such as cool wrist bands, socks or bandanas. Let your individual style come through.  

3- Create a Compelling Goal/Mission List- On an index card make a short list of your desired improvements on one side and on the other side list out the feelings you desire to experience.  An example of desired improvements could be: Increased tone in legs, waist inch loss, lowering cholesterol level or eliminating a certain medication. For desired feelings one may list emotions such as self-esteem, pride, and confidence, sexy or empowered. Read this card often but most definitely when your motivation is waning. This will give you a quick reminder about why you’re doing this. Read the items on your list repeatedly for 2-5 minutes and don’t forget to really embody the emotions listed on your desired feelings list. You more than likely at the very least will want to play the 15 minute game!   

4-Create a Wellness/Fitness Vision Board- 

Vision boards are a very powerful way to ramp up efforts in achieving any goal. They are created by putting pictures of things, items or themes (or what they represent) on a poster board (physical or digital) for the purpose of assisting one to activate the conscious mind and impress the subconscious mind to start moving towards that aim. Cut out pictures of body shapes that your body can realistically look like. Try to find as many pictures that can depict exactly what you want to accomplish. At times when you are attempting to convince yourself that you can afford to miss your workout go look at your board for at least 5 minutes. Similar to the mission list hack put yourself into these pictures; feel like your body is already in that shape. Try to engage all your applicable senses. What would your life look like and how would you feel in your new and improved state?

5-Release the Old You Exercise- Keep handy a picture of you at your heaviest or most unhealthy. Make sure this a picture that you feel isn’t the most flattering. Before you make the final decision about whether or not you are going to do your workout examine the picture and think about why you want to improve your health, weight and shape. How did or does seeing your body in that state make you feel? In that condition did you feel empowered and confident? Thank yourself for taking action to change your circumstances while having compassion for the old you. Send love and say good bye to the old you and consider that image of you your “before” self.  

For optimal health; physical, mental and emotional, there is no way around participating in some kind of movement. You deserve to be, look and feel your best.