Use The Force

Ever try the Jedi mind trick on yourself? Sometimes simply telling yourself a little white lie or visualizing a stronger, faster “you” can jumpstart a stuck-in-the-mud fitness program. Think about such cerebral trickery as when you convince yourself you can afford something that you really can’t. Now try to apply this same visualization, wishful thinking, (or whatever you want to call it), to better health. Sure it’s all in your head, but your body doesn’t have to know that. Here’s a few tips from the pros.

• Tempted to cancel or cut short a workout? Tell yourself: “This beats even a good day at work.”
• As we know it, the central nervous system does not distinguish between real and imagined events; your body will follow your positive visualized images as if they were real.
• Fill out your daily training log before you do that day’s workout, to force yourself to make the commitment.
• Can’t face a structured workout? Walk, run or cycle to the store for errands. It’s exercise but doesn’t feel like it—and you’ll get some chores done too.
• Battling exercise excuses? Remember how good you felt last time you overcame inertia and got out the door.
• Put on your workout clothes (swimsuit, running T-shirt, whatever) underneath your everyday clothes in the morning. This reminds/forces you to fit in your exercise later in the day.
• Can’t get psyched? Remember how lucky you are to be fit and healthy enough to exercise—not everybody is.
• Your mind’s eye is one of your strongest support systems you have. Clearly see yourself reaching your goal, and experience in your mind how that achievement would feel. The clearer your imagery and picture of achievement, the easier it will be to accomplish the task.
• It is important to understand that the mind cannot help you to overcome your real physical, genetically-based limitations; it does, however, allow you to go beyond what you think are your limits.