So, do you LOVE to exercise? Do you find yourself looking forward to going to the gym for a refreshing workout? If you do,congratulations! You have already discovered your most powerful tool – your imagination!
However, if you are like most, you view the experience as a “necessary evil.” You may find yourself counting the seconds while performing your cardio workout, trying without success to distract yourself from the boredom you may be feeling. You may find yourself rushing through
your free-weight routine because you just aren't feeling motivated.
So, why do some people love working out, but many dread it? What is the secret? The secret lies within the internal dialogue in which you engage during the entire process.
Let me demonstrate the difference:
Necessary Evil Internal Dialogue:
“How much time is left on this machine? Ugh…maybe there is something good on tv…that will help distract me…Gosh, only 10 calories burned there…all that work! If I don’t do this, I will surely start showing the effects of all those holiday goodies. Wow! I can’t believe how much weight I put on…I am feeling so winded…Ouch! What is that pull in my knee? Why does this look so easy for everyone else…but I am dying here…WHAT? Only 2 more minutes went by!!!!!!”
What messages are you delivering to your brain? You are telling your brain that exercise is a painful, boring experience, but, nevertheless, something you HAVE to do. Remember this, nobody
likes to feel forced into anything! You will subconsciously fight against it in the first place!
Love Exercise Dialogue:
“Wow! I love the sound of my breathing…I can just feel that air rushing into my lungs
and filling every cell with energy! (Notice the sensation.) I love the feeling of my muscles at work; it really makes me feel alive! (Notice this sensation as well.) I feel myself growing slimmer with each step; I love that feeling of being healthy and of being active…I can just picture my heart getting stronger and stronger, beating rhythmically…sustaining me..."
Notice all the good feelings. Picture yourself at your ideal size in your ideal outfit. Imagine merging
into that image with each movement you make. Picture yourself performing all of those wonderful activities you once thought you wouldn't be able to do. Use that wonderful imagination you were
given!
What messages are you now sending to your brain? You are telling yourself that exercise is enjoyable, sustaining, life giving, healthy, beneficial, etc. You will begin to view exercise as something positive and enjoyable, and you will feel much more motivated to engage in an active lifestyle, no longer fighting against it.
So, what if you are not quite feeling the “love to exercise dialogue?” That is okay. Most won’t feel the love immediately. Just be patient with yourself. Listen to your internal dialogue, and keep repeating those positive messages. In time, they will become your natural beliefs.
However, if you are like most, you view the experience as a “necessary evil.” You may find yourself counting the seconds while performing your cardio workout, trying without success to distract yourself from the boredom you may be feeling. You may find yourself rushing through
your free-weight routine because you just aren't feeling motivated.
So, why do some people love working out, but many dread it? What is the secret? The secret lies within the internal dialogue in which you engage during the entire process.
Let me demonstrate the difference:
Necessary Evil Internal Dialogue:
“How much time is left on this machine? Ugh…maybe there is something good on tv…that will help distract me…Gosh, only 10 calories burned there…all that work! If I don’t do this, I will surely start showing the effects of all those holiday goodies. Wow! I can’t believe how much weight I put on…I am feeling so winded…Ouch! What is that pull in my knee? Why does this look so easy for everyone else…but I am dying here…WHAT? Only 2 more minutes went by!!!!!!”
What messages are you delivering to your brain? You are telling your brain that exercise is a painful, boring experience, but, nevertheless, something you HAVE to do. Remember this, nobody
likes to feel forced into anything! You will subconsciously fight against it in the first place!
Love Exercise Dialogue:
“Wow! I love the sound of my breathing…I can just feel that air rushing into my lungs
and filling every cell with energy! (Notice the sensation.) I love the feeling of my muscles at work; it really makes me feel alive! (Notice this sensation as well.) I feel myself growing slimmer with each step; I love that feeling of being healthy and of being active…I can just picture my heart getting stronger and stronger, beating rhythmically…sustaining me..."
Notice all the good feelings. Picture yourself at your ideal size in your ideal outfit. Imagine merging
into that image with each movement you make. Picture yourself performing all of those wonderful activities you once thought you wouldn't be able to do. Use that wonderful imagination you were
given!
What messages are you now sending to your brain? You are telling yourself that exercise is enjoyable, sustaining, life giving, healthy, beneficial, etc. You will begin to view exercise as something positive and enjoyable, and you will feel much more motivated to engage in an active lifestyle, no longer fighting against it.
So, what if you are not quite feeling the “love to exercise dialogue?” That is okay. Most won’t feel the love immediately. Just be patient with yourself. Listen to your internal dialogue, and keep repeating those positive messages. In time, they will become your natural beliefs.
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