It’s a brand new year, and if you’re like 52% of Americans, one of your goals is to exercise more. That’s one of my goals too! I ended the year with a first-ever case of vertigo, which put my workout plans on hold for several weeks. Now that the world isn’t spinning anymore (for the most part), I want to get back into my workout routine. But, even though that is a strong want, and even though the night before I work out I’m all in, and even though I know how much working out benefits me, sometimes…it’s still a struggle to check off “exercise” on my to-do list. Anyone else? And this is definitely not a “first of the year problem.” It can be an anytime of the year problem.
Let’s be honest: Sometimes the hardest thing about working out is managing what’s going on between your ears. You know…those thoughts…
- “You’re too tired, just quit.”
- “You’ve done enough for today.”
- “You should probably just stop so you don’t get injured.”
And on, and on, and on.
What’s going on in your mind can definitely be a roadblock to completing your workout, and I especially notice this when I’m walking, or running, or riding the recumbent bike. It doesn’t seem to happen as often when I’m lifting weights because I guess I have to concentrate more on what I’m doing. But whenever this happens for you, here are 4 tools to help you master your mind (and all those thoughts) so you can check “Work Out” off your list and actually enjoy the experience! Well, most of the time, anyway. 😉
Interested in becoming a runner or in running in general? Check out this post!
TOOL #1: Use an app.
My favorite workout apps are Runkeeper and Seconds. Runkeeper will track your pace and distance, so if you’re trying to increase your speed, watch your pace, and/or keep track of your miles, this app is a great option! You can set it to give you an update every X minutes and/or X distance, and unlike some apps that shut off if you’re using any other apps, it will stay on with whatever you’re listening to. Seconds is an interval app that I use for run/walk intervals, but I also use it for strength training intervals too (AMRAPs, EMOMs, Tabata, Death By…, etc.). I love Seconds because when I’m using it, I don’t have to keep looking at my watch or a simple countdown timer. It will also run in the background of whatever I’m listening to.
TOOL #2: Listen to a podcast, music, or an audiobook.
One of the keys to making working out easier is to keep the part of your brain busy that tells you you’re tired and you need to stop. One way to do this is to distract that part of your brain by giving it something to listen to! When I get deep into my head during a walk or run, which is when all the creative thoughts come out, it’s usually because I’m “listening” to something. I also love listening to something during strength training workouts, and I swear it makes those workouts go faster and maybe even easier. It’s amazing!
TOOL #3: Use headphones or earbuds.
Yes, this seems like a no-brainer, but I’ve gone running without headphones/earbuds before because I forgot them and didn’t want to go home to get them. And that was really annoying because I couldn’t hear what was coming from my phone very well because I kept the volume down so anyone around me wouldn’t be bothered by what I was listening to. So, don’t forget those headphones or earbuds on your next outdoor workout adventure. I recommend running/walking with only ONE headphone/earbud so you can still hear what’s going on around you like cars, people, etc., which will help keep you safe during that outdoor workout. I also use my earbuds when working out in our home gym because it’s actually easier to hear what I’m listening to when I’m plugged in.
TOOL #4: Use an armband to hold your phone!
Because who wants to hold their phone while they’re working out outside?! My favorite armband can hold a key, a hotel key card, my driver’s license, a credit card (just in case you happen to run into an awesome gift shop like they have in Central Park…yes, that’s happened!), and tissues (must-haves if you’re working out outside in the winter months or during allergy season!) will also fit into that card slot!
With all of these tools in place, you won’t keep looking at your watch or timer, thinking, “Has it ONLY been 2 minutes? Ugh! I CANNOT do this!” And you’ll be able to keep “that” part of your brain busy so you can enjoy your workout, get in some great thinking time if you’d like, and just do your thing.
What tools do you use that help with the mind game during your workouts? Leave ’em in a comment below!
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