We’ve all done it. Found ways of avoiding exercise. However, we also know that once we get the workout started (and finished), we will feel so much better.
Over the years I have experienced people using many different ways of pushing themselves further that they had originally planned. Even the best of us need that occasional inspiration.
For example, there are times when I am doing my own workout, and I decide that I am going to do a short one today. So I begin my T-Tapp workout with the plan to only do the 15-minute Basic Workout (which is the first half of the Total Workout). I know that that 15 minutes will help, and that I can get results from doing just that.
Well, then I get to that last exercise, and I think to myself, “okay, I’ll just go to the next exercise.” Then I get to that next exercise, and I tell myself again, “okay, I‚ll just go to the next exercise.” Before know it, I have completed the whole 45 minutes, and I feel fabulous!
Personal goals play a large part in motivation. For instance, I have known men who want to increase their muscle mass. With this aspiration in mind, they push themselves to do “just one more rep,” or “just a little more weight.”
Special occasions are also great motivators. I see people constantly who have “reasons” to reach particular goals (i.e. class reunions, weddings, vacations etc.). Many of these goals are short-term, but the motivation is still strong. We think in terms of looking better, stronger, and more confident, specifically for these events, especially if we are going to see people we haven’t seen in a long time.
Once the event is over, the motivation wanes. If this is the case, then we need to look ahead to other upcoming events to keep our minds on the task of exercising.
Many of us also need to motivate ourselves for health reasons. Even thought physical activity is deemed necessary for a better quality of life, we don’t always want to do it. So we tell ourselves its for other reasons.
Excuses run rampant in the exercise world. The underlying reasons for doing it may be as different as the people making the justifications.
And everybody makes them. It’s the way they break through the plateaus via their individual mind games that determine how successful they will be in their exercise programs.
If you have any questions, or would like more information about T-Tapp or any other fitness matter, please contact me @ (408) 981-1566 or email me at ho**********************@*****on.net.
Karen Seraphine holds a Master of Arts degree in Physical Education/Fitness Management from New York University, and is certified by the American Council on Exercise as a Personal Trainer and a Lifestyle and Weight Management Consultant and is a certified T-Tapp Trainer. She owns HomeRun Personal Training in Gilroy.
