Exercise and Mindset

Over the years, I’ve had many people come up to me and ask, “How do I become mentally strong so that I can exercise regularly?’’ I have just two words – Practice consistency. And watch yourself flourish! The obsessed ones are the only ones who will see any tremendous results.

Why Exercise is Wise?

Endless posts talk about exercises, focusing on specifics — what lifts to do, the best arm workouts, how many reps, and more. But I feel this might be a little overwhelming for a majority of folks. Here are a few simple reasons why exercising is praised across the globe.

• Exercise pumps blood to the brain helping you to think more clearly
• It aids in improved memory by increasing the size of the hippocampus
• Exercise releases fun and happy brain chemicals
• Reduced risks of disease
• Exercise can help reduce stress levels and reduce weighte

Studies have shown that exercise increases your life span, quality of life, lowers blood pressure, improves stamina, enhances your immune system, reduces the risk of certain cancers, and even enhances your mood. And above all, you get a peachy butt!

What does the mindset got to do with exercising?

Well, these two are paired up like strawberries and cream. As physical as exercise is, the first step to any kind of exercise is your mental state. Walking into the gym with a clear, focused mind is underrated. Remember that you exercise, not to torture yourself, but to make yourself feel good.

You all know I am a huge advocate of both mental wellbeing and exercise, combined with other benefiting therapies like counseling, meditation, good nutrition, yoga or whatever you’re into. Exercise does not have to be formal. Run up and down your stairs 20 times a day. Exercising in nature might be your thing. Take your dog outside for a walk, join a dance class, do yoga, or just play a sport. You can even hire a personal trainer to help you reach your fitness goals. Do whatever it takes to get your heart beating and the sweat flowing! But keep in mind that determined, completely focused mindset is the most important thing you need to bring to every cardio session.

Avoid the ‘all-or-nothing’ Mindset

The amount of opportunity we miss out on due to this mindset is unimaginable. Start out small. If you feel low or not in a mood to go for a jog, then go at your own pace. Take things slow, but continue to push yourself. Just think about a roaring tidal wave, which starts as nothing but a small ripple in the middle of the ocean. But remember that the ripple possesses all of the potential needed to become the wave, same as you!

Now, answering my post request, “how does exercise help to get you out of the ‘low’ cycle and what activities can you do to help break the cycle?” Here are a few tips to make you rethink the way you view exercise, and to make it a habit.

• Get out in nature and walk
• Get into the gym and lift some weights
• Meditate regularly
• Do some yoga – Yin and Restorative are my personal favorites
• Eat nutritious food
• Learn something new
• Spend quality time alone

If you happen to be in Point Cook and are looking for a fitness trainer, I can help you as well! I urge you to take this article to heart. Let it be a catalyst. Just start. Getting into the right mindset and starting a physical activity is absolutely one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself. If you don’t think you have the time, make time. It is always ‘fitness time’. You’ll never regret investing in your health. Make yourself proud!