The Power of Positive Thinking

Think positive thoughts.  How many times have you heard that little catch phrase?!  Enough that it goes in one ear and out the other?  Not today.  Today we are going to focus on thinking positively, specifically in terms of exercise.

Off the bat, let us take a second to be grateful that we are able to exercise.  We should be grateful that we can move our bodies, that we can carve out the time, that we found weights during a pandemic!  Appreciate your body and what it CAN do…not what it can’t.

Next, set your mental state.  You know the saying “never go to bed angry?”  Well…my saying is “Never start a workout in a bad mood.”  Before you pick up a weight or stretch or even put on your sneakers, get your head in the game.  Time is a precious commodity so whatever time you have to devote to exercise, be in it 100%!  If you start your workout with “I can’t” or “I’m tired” or “it’s too hard” you are never going to progress.  Your body is capable of a lot but your mindset has to be right.

I cannot tell you how many times I have given a client an exercise and gotten an immediate negative response – a sigh, a grumble, an “I don’t think I can do that!”  Well…part of my job is to determine ahead of time that you CAN do it and to help you achieve it.  But part of your job is to have a positive mindset that you can do it, too!  If you don’t start with that, your workout will frustrate you and fall flat.

So…how can you turn that frown upside down?!

1. Set your mental state ahead of time. If you need 5 minutes of meditation or stretching or loud music to get you in the zone, do it!
2. Don’t say “I’m tired.” Instead, tell yourself this workout will wake you up and invigorate you!
3. Don’t say “It’s too hard.” Instead, embrace the challenge.  Modify if necessary.
4. Don’t say “I can’t.” Instead, find out what you can do.
5. Don’t say “I’m not strong enough.” Instead, remind yourself that every time you try, you are working towards a stronger you.
6. And again, be grateful for the ability to exercise.

Sending positive vibes your way!  May your next workout be your best one yet!

Xo,

M