A good, solid fitness routine isn’t all physical - your mental state plays a huge role in your fitness motivation, too.
If you are finding yourself in a state where you are feeling overwhelmed, anxious or you have lost control, it’s time for a reset. Easier said than done, resetting your mindset to get back on track with your fitness and health goals can take some time.
So how long does it take to reprogram your subconscious mind? On average, it takes about three to four weeks or longer depending on how deep you are into your new behavior or habit you want to change. Here are some ways you can reset your mind back to where you want to be to help you get back on track with your health and fitness goals.
Choose a Goal
We have to start somewhere, and having goals whether short or long, can help you stay focused on what it is you want to accomplish/achieve and commit. Set SMART (specific, measureable, attainable, relevant and time-bound) goals that motivate you and jot them down. This not only makes you feel tangible, it helps you plan the steps you need to take to reach that goal. Not to mention, crossing off each step feels satisfying. Is your goal to gain more muscle? Workout 12 days in a month? Try a new workout once a week that you like? Create a home gym or comfortable fitness atmosphere? Whatever it is, take it one day at a time and give yourself a little grace and gratitude for everything you do to get there.
Develop a Routine that Inspires You Be intentional on how you structure your day. Blasting through each day can eventually make you feel stressed and lost in your routine. Ask yourself some of these questions: What energizes you? Makes you feel relaxed? Clear-headed? Happy? Some people start their days with exercise, a hot cup of coffee or a brisk walk with the dog.
How's your health going? How much exercise do you do? Well if you’re not doing much at all, try taking up a new exercise for at least 30 minutes a day. Whether that's simply a walk around the block, a quick yoga class or committing to a personal trainer a couple times per week - it is a million times better than nothing.
View Challenges as Opportunities
Think of a challenge as an opportunity for growth. If you come across something that feels uncomfortable, nerve-wracking or even intimidating, give it a try! Reframe it as something new and exciting rather than daunting or scary. Our bodies' natural approach is to go into a “fight-or-flight” mode, making it difficult to distinguish non-lethal stress from more modern pressures. Recognize the difference between the two and know that with every challenge becomes growth and opportunity.
Embrace Failure During our new journey, you won’t always succeed. That is called life and being human. If you started a new workout routine, for example, and you are not seeing the results you had anticipated right away, think: how can I do this better? Can I change my eating habits? Am I putting all of my effort in? Am I staying consistent and committed? Change something and keep going. Embracing rejection or failure isn’t the same thing as being “happy” with it. It’s more about not giving up because of setbacks.
Hit the Reset Button
Sometimes we just need to reset and start over. If something isn’t going right or you keep digging a deeper and deeper hole, climb out and start fresh. By hitting the “reset” button, you are giving yourself the opportunity to reset your focus in a new, more positive direction. Don’t forget that you are human! It's human nature to experience negative emotions, and yes, when bad things happen, it can be upsetting. Cope with that, take a breath, then start over with a new, fresh approach.
Trainers Spot offers new classes, workshops, one-on-one and small group personal training and more to help you reset your mind and health goals. Contact us to learn more and get starting in resetting your mindset to a new you.