April 08, 2004
Exercise your brain

YVONNE W: Gritting your teeth isn't the best way to get through a tough workout. When you're struggling to push through that last shoulder press or to run just two more minutes, turn to one of your strongest resources: Your brain. Here are a few ways to use your brain during exercise:

  • Borrow a motivational tool from professional athletes: Positive visualization. A tennis player pictures the angle of her racket as she serves an ace that leaves her opponent breathless. A quarterback imagines his arm gunning the football 60 yards.
  • Create a mantra. A mantra is simply a word or phrase you say to yourself repeatedly that simultaneously calms and motivates you. "I can do this" or "Success" are two examples; the most effective mantras will be very personal and unique to you.
  • Keep your eye on the prize. You may be able to push through simply by remembering your ultimate goal. Better yet, find a picture that represents your goal (such as a bathing suit you'd like to fit into) and, if possible, keep it within sight during your workout.
  • Use your head for one more task: Know when not to push yourself. Stop the exercise if you experience pain or can't maintain good form. Instead, take a break and congratulate yourself on what you have achieved.

    WENDY: Yvonne, that's a great tip about engaging your brain for a better workout. What do you guys think?


    • Comments

    This technically does count as using your brain so I'll chime in...when you are down to the last few minutes, SMILE. It really does work! I found somehow smiled on a run and it increased my energy to get to the end of my run on the boring treadmill. You never know, maybe someone will smile back :)

    Posted by: Christa on April 8, 2004 02:55 PM

    My aunt, who is 72, goes to a local indoor mall and walks everyday. It comes out to be about 2 miles. She also received as a gift from her sons, a manual treadmill and loves it. She us quite young looking for her age and has also gotten me to start working out. Any type of exercise is better than none at all. Even 30 minutes day walking will do the trick.

    Posted by: Susan Waldron on April 9, 2004 11:46 AM

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