We’ve all experienced the same hurdles with fitness. How do we ease ourselves into it? How do we find the time? And, more often than not, we all have the same question…how do we get mentally prepared?
It is not an unfounded concern. 99% of attempts to work out and get fit get stuck at the mental stage as we simply cannot get in the zone psychologically. Whether we’re distracted by work, family, studies or some other encumbrance, there’s always something blocking our path. But that’s just it. They’re distractions, and they’re mental in nature. So the good news is that with a few tips and tricks, we can get in the right frame of mind and get mentally prepared.
The first step? Make it a distinct priority….in writing. Until this is committed to paper or some sort of e-diary, your fitness goals will not take shape. There is a definite ‘line in the sand’ feel when we switch from something being in our heads and on paper in front of us, as if the journey has actually been started in some form. So whether it’s note on your daily jotter or a recurring appointment for the gym in your email calendar, get it ‘out there’ and formalised.
The second step is to get a buddy or some sort of cheerleader. This can be someone who is joining you on your journey, or someone who has a vested interest your welfare; someone close to you like a spouse, a child or that colleague at work who always spurs us on. You should always, always aim to be the person spearheading internal change, but on those days when the well of inspiration is empty, someone else will always be happy to step in and lend a hand.
Next? Know your limitations and set boundaries. There is a physical element to this, as charging into an exercise routine will cause all manner of strains, pulls and potential tears. But mentally, it means you’re less likely to experience the disappointment of failing to reach a goal that was unattainable in the first place. Set out with smaller, realistic goals. You’re not going to run 10 miles on the first day, or even at the end of the first week. But plan to run 3 miles to start with, and you’re more likely to hit your goals and be spurred on to perform better. This also makes your fitness journey less of a mountain in your mind.
We previously spoke about putting plans on to paper. Linked in with this is a need to prioritise exercise, even at the expense of other more enjoyable or rewarding activities. If it’s not taking precedence, then you will always be distracted by overtime at work, lunch with a friend or some other obstacle that will forever see your fitness routine delayed. Learn to say ‘no’ and reschedule other activities. Make that exercise the number one task for its allocated time slot.
Another step is to get someone else (trained, of course!) to put together a sensible, measured and attainable exercise plan. Very often, we’ll assemble a list of activities; running, cross training, weights and the like, and then it will all fall apart because we either don’t like the plan we ourselves have put together (the irony!) or because we simply don’t have the energy, and then we drop out altogether. A physical trainer or any knowledgeable gym employee will take into account your goals, your hurdles and your physical characteristics to ensure you have a plan in front of you that is enjoyable, varied and achievable. They’ll also be on hand to monitor progress, tweak your journey as necessary and provide moral support.
All of the above have one thing in common; they’re all non-physical. And you’d be right in thinking that this is a lot to take. This is testament to how much mental legwork is needed in order to prepare for getting fit and healthy, which is why we shouldn’t ignore it. Whilst physical fitness is dependent on our bodies being ready, the mind is just as important; it can kill a fitness journey before it has even started or carry you to complete success.