With a wide range of proven benefits, many people are looking to add exercise to their daily routine. Whether you exercise to manage stress, support brain health, or just to stay in shape, there are many reasons to begin working out.
When working out, one might expect to feel physically fatigued. On top of that, working out can also cause mental fatigue, making it difficult to push towards the finish line. Even with the right type of running shoes.
No matter what type of exercise you are doing, here are 4 helpful tips to help you to mentally push through a tough workout.
4 tips for pushing through a tough workout
Follow along below to learn how you can use these strategies to push through a tough workout.
1. Focus on positive thinking
As you become tired from working out, it can begin to feel like the workout may never end. When you begin to feel this way, focus on visualizing how you will feel once the workout is complete. Doing this can increase your performance and give you the mental boost you need to finish the workout.
Another helpful way to stay positive and maintain your focus is to recite a mantra. As you select your mantra, be sure to center it around your fitness goals and repeat it as your workout progresses.
2. Set personal goals
Working towards a goal is a great way to stay motivated. When exercising, it is important to set small goals throughout your workout.
A helpful way to do this is to split up your workout into segments. For example, you could set a goal of running 100 more meters or completing 20 more pushups.
By achieving small wins throughout your workout, time will go by faster, incentivizing you to continue working towards your goals. To keep track of your workout goals, try using a daily planner.
3. Treat your workout like a game
While working out, find ways to enhance your experience by establishing incentives or a little friendly competition. If you challenge yourself or a friend to a fitness competition, be sure to treat the winner with a reward.
The drive to win is a great way to distract yourself when the workout gets tough. Didn’t win the competition? No problem! Use it as motivation to win the next one.
4. Don’t be afraid to take a breather
While doing your workout, it is likely that physical and mental fatigue will set in before you’d like. When that happens, be sure to slow down and catch your breath. It is okay to take some time to regroup before resuming your workout.
Pro tip: Taking a break is a great time to stay hydrated and practice the positive thinking techniques discussed previously.
Put it into action!
Now that you have learned these mental techniques, it is time to put them into practice. By utilizing these tips, you will find that each workout becomes a little easier and a little more fun.
Check out this infographic below for additional tips on how to mentally mush through a tough workout!
