Exercise starts before you get to the gym. Think about it – everyone knows that finding the motivation and willpower to workout can be harder than the workout itself.
There’s that little voice in the back of your head encouraging you to head home and crack open a tub of ice cream instead of hitting the weight room. But if you can change that voice to advocate for routine exercise, then you can have a more effective workout. Adults only need 30 minutes of exercise a day, but right now, the Australian Bureau of Statistics reports that only 43 per cent of adults meet this threshold. What is holding them back – that little voice?
As a personal trainer, you have to devise a strategy that will help your clients improve their daily routines to encourage them to get to the gym. Today, we are going to share some tips your clients can use to prepare for the gym and explain how mental preparation is the key to an efficient workout.
The key to an effective workout is in the mental preparation beforehand.Give yourself competition
Real or fake, competition makes you work harder. A little competition will keep you from getting complacent as it gives you reason to drive forward. It’s important to note here that you shouldn’t be comparing yourself to others – your progress is unique to your body. But when you’re pushing for a new personal record, it helps to have some numbers to work against.
Putting a little more pep in your step would mean you beat your opponent, but without those numbers you might just complete your set as is.
Visualise your exercise
I am strong and I can do this.
Take a couple of minutes to visualise yourself working out. When you see yourself performing the exercise, you’re more likely to perform it. The most important part of visualisation is, of course, what you see yourself doing.
Think positive thoughts – see yourself easily hitting that PR – and use power words – like ‘I am strong and I can do this’ – that will take you to the next level. Visualising failure and thinking thoughts like ‘this is too hard for me’ feeds the negative voice.
It will be handy to create a workout schedule for the week so you know what moves to focus on and visualise each day.
Take pictures of your progress
It might sound vain, but it really isn’t – pictures can help create a routine. This physical, visual proof of your progress will keep you on track. The body changes quickly – whether that be weight loss or gain – which you will be able to see clearly taking a series of before and after shots every couple of weeks. If you’re feeling unmotivated to head to the gym, just whip out your photos. You won’t want to undo all that hard work.
If you want to learn more about how you can help your clients get in the mood to go to the gym, contact our team here at Onfit today!
