Part 2 – Top Tips
Its all in your HEAD
In part one of my blog I talked about how the biggest thing that is stopping you from achieving your goals is yourself! That voice in your head that says: “stop now, you feel uncomfortable” or “stay in bed, you don’t NEED to go to the gym”
Rarely are most people required to push themselves past the point of being uncomfortable or in pain. Most people stop way before they are at their “limit”. I am going to tell you some simple tricks that I incorporate into my own Personal Training
During a set of press ups for example. If you normally get to ten then “need” to put your knees down before carrying on, try getting into your head that you will get to at least 11 before even dreaming of putting those knees down. Then when you’re able to achieve this regularly, employ the same mentality and have 12 reps as a target, then 13 etc.
If on a run, you can use landmarks or street furniture as targets. When you are getting tired, tell yourself you’ll just run to the next lamppost or sign, and when that target arrives tell yourself you can just run to the next one. See how far you can get!! This is also a good example of when employing a personal trainer can help. Having someone running with you or cycling next to you telling you to run to the next lamp post is more likely to make you do it. It is easier to quit when there is nobody to see it.
A little mental tactic I like to employ during a tough run or a workout is to tell myself that a loved one is in trouble and needs my help, and that I need to get to them/complete a given physical task in order to rescue them from danger. I find this keeps my mind focused on keeping going no matter how tired or uncomfortable I am, and pushing back any negative thoughts that try and creep in, until the job or workout is done!
If you can start with simple tactics like this to try and complete a run or a workout, you will soon see progressions in your fitness and strength levels. Likewise, if you suffer a setback throughout the year that could potentially derail your efforts thus far, put into practice the same mindset- focus on pushing that little bit further and keep moving forwards!
Later this year, I will be “yomping” (marching over difficult terrain whilst carrying kit/equipment) 100 miles in 36 hours for The Royal Marines Charity During this event and training for it, I am going to have to certainly dig deep into my physical reserves to complete the distance. But more so than that, I am going to have to keep ignoring those little voices that tell me to stop or take a day off and keep putting one foot in front of the other till I cross that finish line!
So if you were one of those people that started off the new year with a boom and have now fallen off track then get back out there again! Get out running, walking, swimming, employ a personal trainer or a nutrition adviser.
BUT most importantly IGNORE that inner voice!
Remember
Its all in your HEAD!
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P.s If you wish to donate for my 100 mile “yomp” here is the link:
Tags: fitness, motivation, nutrition, personal trainer