Get up and go.
Do you ever wonder about those crazy amazing people that are just getting back from their workouts while you’re still in bed deciding if you want to go? When your workouts become another item to check off of your to-do list, it’s time to shake things up. You spend a lot of time training, you want to enjoy yourself and you want to make it count. It’s more than just getting out there and getting the miles in. The most important thing to remember is that you get good at what you practice; both physically and mentally … so what are you spending your time getting good at? If you ever struggle to get your workouts in or find you have a hard time pushing yourself once you’re out there, here are four tips for getting out the door and getting the most out of your training:
Write your workouts in your calendar
In order to get the most out of your training – you need to actually do your training. I know you’ve heard this one before, but you are much more likely to get in your workout if you have it planned out in your schedule. Make it a habit. Choose the same time each week or month to actually sit down and write your workouts into your schedule.
Visualize yourself working out
You plant the seed and plan your behavior by seeing it in your mind first. If you’re planning to train after work, spend 5 minutes at your desk visualizing yourself arriving at the gym, putting on your suit, and gliding through the pool during your swim. If you have an early morning workout, spend 5 minutes before you go to bed seeing yourself getting up, putting on your running shoes, and feeling excited and ready to go.
Don’t succumb to “all-or-nothing” thinking
Your coach probably put that workout in your training plan for a reason, but if you keep skipping it because it doesn’t fit into your schedule, you need to communicate with your coach. Don’t get stuck in the all-or-nothing trap with your training. Be realistic with your schedule and adjust if you need to. Work with your coach (or with yourself!) to figure out what is both realistic with your schedule and what you are going to need to commit to in order to accomplish your goals.
It’s OK to play mind games
It’s hard to push yourself when you’re working out alone. Try imagining there are other people with you; that you have carrot out in front of you or someone is closing in from behind. Use the powers of your mind and pretend you have bionic legs, or the legs of a cheetah. Choose an action that you only utilize when you need to push yourself. When I clap my hands twice it means I’m starting to fade and it’s time to pick up the pace and get focused. You can clap, slap your legs, sing a song that makes you speed up; anything that you can associate in that moment with regrouping and revving things up.