Friday, May 6, 2016

6 fitness pick-me-ups

Trying to make it through a workout, only to find your energy level isn’t where it needs to be? Here are ideas to give you a boost: 

• Adopt a personal mantra. Find a positive phrase that you repeat when you are less-than-motivated to keep going through an activity. Maybe something like: “Try one more, just one more” — whether it’s repetitions, minutes, laps, miles, whatever. 

• Make a competitive game out of your activity. If you see other walkers, runners, swimmers, or cyclists ahead of you try to catch them and then pass them. If you’re on a walk with your dog, try to keep in step with your four-legged friend. 

• Pay attention to your breathing. Try this next time you are just getting started or in the middle of your activity: Breathe in deeply through your nose only, and exhale hard out of your mouth.

• Dink more water.  Drinking enough water impacts everything from the amount of energy you have on a daily basis, how much hunger you feel through the day, your ability to concentrate, and how quickly you recover from your workout sessions. 

Find a training partner or begin your quest for a heather lifestyle with a personal trainer.  It is much easier to keep each other accountable and/or motivated with a workout buddy or someone who can get set up a workout routine that matches your goals.  

Listen to music. Put your ears buds on and listen to your favorite tunes preferably something with a faster beat. Many web-sites including amazon, apple, Spotify etc. have readymade playlists for your workouts. 
 

Try new activities. Doing the exact same routine day after day will limit your progress and you will limit the risk of boredom. You should try at least one new activity per month and/or at least mix up the activities that you do, Go a little faster, do a couple extra sets, little heavier, try free weight instead of machines. Mixing it up will help you reach your goals faster and it might keep you on your path for a healthier you. 

 
            Hans Jonsson
Physical Therapist, Certified CrossFit Coach