subject: Setting The Agenda For More Powerful Workouts [print this page] To a certain extent, we may say that losing weight through the use of healthy options such as nutritious foods is a prime consideration for dieters who also want to maintain their health. Of course, the expected response from these people is on the positive side, especially since the use of nutritious elements such as vegetables and fruits in maximizing weight loss pursuits are indeed commendable. But then again, there are also some dieters who would rather opt to have a weight loss miracle so that they wouldn't have to restrict themselves on the food they are allowed to eat in order to attain maximum weight loss. In all honesty, such miracle can best be achieved through the use of weight loss methods that include rigorous physical activities such as exercise routines and hardcore physical workout regimens.
A research conducted recently at the University of Cape Town in South Africa proved that our brains tend to turn on the pain way before we reach our potential. It appears that the receptors in the brain called interleukin-6 attempts to shut the body down as a defense mechanism. What separates elite athletes from regular ones is that they know what mental techniques to use so that they can experience the full benefit of their workout. According to one elite athlete, what is important is to have a specific goal because none of the techniques would be of any help without it. With that information as our backdrop, let us look at some of the things you can do so that you too can harness the power of your mind to get the most from your workouts:
1. Visualize success.
Consciously make the effort of imagining yourself completing a specific activity that you aim to accomplish, whatever it may be. It can be as simple as adding in an extra rep, or finishing a marathon. Your visualization doesn't have to be long but you have to do it every night.
2. Make your mind blank.
A successful personal trainer tells his clients to block everything out of their minds when doing a specific activity in their workout routine. When you do this, remember that what is important is to concentrate on performing the activity with precision without allowing any emotions or thoughts to enter your mind, particularly negative ones.
3. Use a mantra.
Find a mantra or a phrase that inspires and motivates you to keep on and say it over and over as you work out. Many athletes have used a personal training mantra with success and exercise buffs have followed suit. If you are having a hard time coming up with one, try Nike's famous advertising slogan "Just do it!" for starters.
4. Be strong.
Another powerful mind conditioning technique is to assert your superiority over an activity. Tell yourself, "I'm stronger or faster than the weight" if you are about to lift at a poundage that you have never tried before and believe it. You can also do this with endurance training.
