Alzfighter Life- Unique way to approach exercise motivation.
Harnessing Exercise Motivation by Embracing Discomfort for Greater Strength
Hello Fellow AlzFighters. This is Nurse Marla. Today I wanted to share a bit about exercise motivation. Let’s be honest friends, sometimes finding motivation to stay consistent with workouts can be a challenge. You know I am a data and research nerd so of course I reviewed the more traditional methods which I concur with and use regularly:
Make it a habit. Something that you just do. - Use an alarm or reminder if needed.
Have fun. Play good music, be silly, dance like no one is watching.
Start slow and ramp up over time. Injuries can ruin a developing good habit
Use an accountability partner ( I have to send a picture of my workout record to mine )
Add variety into your routine
Multitask your workout - My hubby purchased a low-cost walking pad for me that I use to watch TV in versus sitting.
Another method I have recently started adding into my routine is to change my mindset WHILE I am working out which has been a real game changer. There are different terms for it. Navy Seals apparently use it. They call it “embracing the suck” Keeping in mind that sharp pain is a no go. But working through the discomfort of getting through that last rep, or holding on a bit longer in plank position is really rewarding. Choosing to work through discomfort is a powerful way to motivate oneself and unlock the full potential of personal growth. While it's natural to seek comfort during physical activity, shifting focus towards embracing discomfort can yield tremendous results, making us stronger in mind and body. While I am in my workouts , especially when doing yoga or pilates moves , I focus on my form instead of the discomfort. This is also a key to injury prevention so total win win!!
Understanding the Role of Discomfort vs Pain
Discomfort happens during exercise due to the body being pushed beyond its comfort zone. It is essential to recognize that discomfort is a natural part of the fitness journey and a catalyst for growth. By reframing discomfort as a signal of progress rather than a hindrance, we can shift our mindset and make significant strides forward. However, within this process, it is crucial to listen closely to our bodies and NOT push into the threshold of pain. Again, this is where you need to check in with your PCP before trying any new programs or exercises.
Celebrating Incremental Progress
Every small achievement counts when it comes to embracing discomfort and building strength. By acknowledging and celebrating incremental progress, we can cultivate a positive mindset that fuels our motivation. Recognize even the slightest improvements, such as running an extra minute or lifting slightly heavier weights, and use them as reminders of how far you've come. This process will help shift our focus away from discomfort and towards the feeling of accomplishment and increased strength.
Cultivating a Positive Mindset
Our mental outlook plays a fundamental role in how we approach discomfort during exercise. Instead of viewing discomfort as a negative experience, embrace it as a sign of growth and an opportunity to become stronger. Cultivate a positive mindset by focusing on the benefits of pushing through discomfort: increased endurance, improved body composition, enhanced mental resilience, and an overall sense of accomplishment. Remind yourself of these positives whenever faced with adversity during exercise.
Utilizing Visualization Techniques
Visualization is a powerful tool to shift our exercise motivation towards strength-building through discomfort. Envision yourself overcoming challenges, persevering through discomfort, and emerging stronger on the other side. Visualize yourself reaching your goals, experiencing a newfound level of strength, and the satisfaction that will accompany it. By vividly imagining these achievements, you can tap into a deeper level of motivation and drive yourself to work through discomfort.
Embracing Variety and Progression
Variety and progression are essential factors in maintaining exercise motivation and overcoming discomfort. Sticking to the same routine can lead to monotony, making it easier to give in to discomfort. Explore different forms of exercise, such as cross-training, circuit training, or group fitness classes, to keep things interesting. Additionally, gradually increase the intensity, duration, or complexity of your workouts to continuously challenge yourself and push past your comfort zone. Embracing variety and progression will help keep motivation high and make each session an opportunity for growth.
Maintaining Patience and Persistence
Lastly, shifting exercise motivation towards working through discomfort and building strength requires patience and persistence. It's important to remember that progress takes time and setbacks are part of the journey. Embrace the discomfort as an opportunity to grow and view setbacks as temporary obstacles that can be overcome. By maintaining persistence and staying committed to your goals, you will gradually cultivate the habits and mindset necessary to push through discomfort and emerge stronger.
By shifting our exercise motivation towards working through discomfort and focusing on strength-building, we can unlock our true potential and achieve remarkable growth. Embracing discomfort as a sign of progress, setting clear goals, celebrating incremental progress, seeking support, cultivating a positive mindset, utilizing visualization techniques, embracing variety and progression, and maintaining patience and persistence will empower us to become stronger, both physically and mentally. So let's reframe discomfort as an ally on our journey towards optimal strength and personal growth!
