Health and Wellness: Almost all of us are guilty of, at least once in our lifetimes, having associated fitness with sweating it out at the gym. Every coach we come across and every influencer on Instagram seems to be pushing us to lift heavier weights, run more miles, and sign up for a marathon!
But what if fitness was motivated by something much deeper, that went beyond the physical. What if, instead of focusing solely on transforming your body, you focused on changing your mindset.
Quite a lot of nutritionists claim abs are made in the kitchen. What if we told you they’re actually made when you meditate, reflect on your goals in a journal, or take a step back and breathe, analyzing the reasons that motivate you to work out?
The Power of a Positive Fitness Mindset
When you nurture a positive mindset regarding fitness, all else follows. Positive mindsets aren’t just about promising yourself you’ll work out. You need to get to the core of it and understand why you’re working out.
When you exercise, make it a treat instead of categorizing it as self-punishment. You’re much more likely to stay committed that way. You begin to see fitness as part of your life instead of a temporary fix.
The Invisible Forces
Exercise may have countless benefits for your physique, but did you know about all the amazing benefits it provides for your mental health? Every time you go out on a jog, walk, swim, or simply play a sport, the activity triggers a massive release of endorphins.
These are the feel-good hormones that are responsible for boosting your mood and reducing stress. In some cases, it can be just as good as therapy and medication for managing mental health issues.
As you begin to shift your mindset, you start to see fitness as much more than just a way to shape those abs. You begin investing in it for your mental clarity and emotional regulation.
Fitness is All About Being Consistent
One of the biggest issues people face when trying to start out on their fitness journey is the fear of failing or not being as perfect as they want to be. It is often very easy to get discouraged if you end up missing a workout or fail to see the results you expected.
Try to change your perception and push away the fear. Focus on small changes and follow through consistently for a long period. Shift your mindset and transition from fear to the general acceptance that some days, you might not do your best, and that’s okay.
Celebrate the small victories. If you added a few extra minutes to your run or lifted a few more pounds than you did last week, you deserve a pat on the back!
Personal Training: Your Mindset Mentor
Sometimes it’s hard to be your own cheerleader. You may not always have the strength to look at things in a positive light. If you have been stuck in the “physical transformation” mindset for years, you may be in dire need of professional personal training programs.
A personal trainer should be able to help you identify and challenge your limiting beliefs. You may think you aren’t strong enough or that you may never look like that model on Instagram you saw at 3 am while munching on a bag of popcorn. Your personal trainer is the best person to get you out of that rut.
They’re also great providers of accountability. As they have an insight into your daily goals and challenges it is much easier for them to guide you through the hurdles.
Tips to Help You Start Shifting that Mindset Today
Here are a few things that work well for beginners;
- Start small: Do not try to change everything overnight. Begin with smaller, more realistic goals and celebrate that progress as you go.
- Listen to your body: Instead of looking at the scale or measuring inches, listen to your body and note how it feels. Notice how clothes fit you. Journal your feelings.
- Be kind to yourself: If you miss a workout on a particularly bad day, don’t beat yourself up. Life happens. Instead of wallowing in guilt, focus on how you can get back on track.
- Find joy in movement: Invest in a yoga class, go out to walk in the park, or get dance lessons. The more you enjoy it, the more likely you’ll stick with it.
- Make a vision board: Add cut outs and get creative. Picture your ideal body type and feel the happiness in the present! Manifest your dreams.
To Sum it Up
True health and wellness should be a lot more than just lifting weights or consecutively miles. It should come from the inside out. It shouldn’t be a chore you dread but an activity you actually look forward to.
The next time you lace up your sneakers and head out, remember this; your workout should primarily build a strong mindset. The rest will come in due time.