Mindset is everything
Sometimes my clients enter the studio tired, stressed, upset or worried and it’s my job to get them to focus on the task ahead and smash their workouts.
Here are some of the techniques that I use to help motivate clients (and myself) to smash training sessions:
1. Use your feelings to ‘power' your workout
If you’re upset/angry:
Think about why you’re angry and put that aggression and anger into your session. Before every set, channel that feeling of anger or upset and then start your workout. Once you’ve done your workout you will feel happier and will have smashed your workout
If you’re tired:
Put on a playlist (ideally one you’ve already created) - listen to it and psyche yourself up for the workout. As soon as you do your first set, your adrenaline will kick in and you’ll be off.
2. Look at what you’ve already achieved:
Looking at what you achieved the previous week is a huge motivational push. Very few of us are ok about achieving less reps/weight than we’ve previously done and we will work harder just to achieve that one rep more than the previous week.
Some big caveats…
However, as I’ve learnt from my own training, there are some big caveats:
Sometimes your sessions will be completely rubbish:
Despite all your intentions, sometimes your training sessions will suck. You won’t be able to lift your normal weight, everything will be a struggle and you’ll probably feel cross and disappointed. This is completely normal and happens to everyone who trains regularly; the most important thing is that you did your session and gave it your best
Recognise training for what it is:
Training is a release and relief from life’s pressures - a way to focus all your efforts on one task and (potentially) not have to think about anything else. However, it is temporary release of feel-good neurotransmitters (endorphins and dopamine) and is no substitute for handling life’s issues..*
*I’m going to do a more detailed post on this subject as it’s something that I have personal experience of.