Fitness training that delivers consistent and lasting results has its genesis within the mind. The vision that you have of yourself in regard to health and fitness has a dramatic impact on the way you train. Examining your personal beliefs about your health and fitness will assist you in discovering more effective training practices.
'If You Build it He Will Come'
In the movie "Field of Dreams," Kevin Costner portrays Iowa farm owner Ray Kinsella. Ray hears a voice that urges him to build a baseball field in the midst of his corn field. The voice says, "If you build it, he will come." Following his vision, Ray risks losing his farm. Through times of questioning and doubt, Ray is unwavering in commitment to his vision. Ray builds the field and indeed 'He" does come: A great movie. You have the opportunity to create your own vision of your personal fitness. You are then responsible to direct and star in that vision. You, like Ray, are responsible for working through uncertain times of questioning and doubt in realizing your vision.
Re-evaluate Your Vision of Yourself from Years Past
Your fitness training will follow the path that your mind has determined will be its course. Your belief system is a powerful force. To create a new and improved vision of your fitness training practices, start by examining your current picture of how you see yourself in regard to fitness. All too often, your perception of your health and fitness levels are sabotaged by limiting memories; not being picked for a certain team, being called degrading names by peers, or being overweight as a child. You may find yourself locked into a vision of being unsuccessful in the areas of health and fitness. Set new fitness goals that are aligned with an improved vision of yourself.
Be Bold in Determining What You Wish to Accomplish
Set your fitness goals high. In "See You at The Top," Zig Ziglar writes, "In order for goals to be effective they need to be big, because it takes a big goal to create the excitement necessary for accomplishment." Start now to believe in your ability to make significant changes. Start to create a vision of yourself as strong, lean, and fast. Your purpose for fitness training is to achieve and to maintain this vision.
Get Help
Chris Crowley and Henry S. Lodge, M.D, in their book "Younger Next Year," suggest that you hire a personal fitness trainer to help rev up your training intensity. "Hire a trainer, at least to get started. Trainers are expensive, Lord knows, but they are worth it. Learning to do weights is a little harder than it looks, and a surprising number of people you see in the gym are doing it wrong." Good personal fitness trainers are experts at motivations. They are able to assist you in establishing a new fitness vision of yourself. Your personal trainer will help you stay focused on why you are at the gym.
Know Why You are Going to the Gym
As you head out to the gym, remind yourself why you are going. Discontinue just hoping you have a good workout. With your clear vision of improving fitness and health established in your heart and mind, approach the gym with confidence and clear purpose. If you firmly establish a clear and precise vision of yourself in regard to health and fitness, your training efforts will soon line up in full support.
References
- "See You at The Top, Zig Ziglar "; Zig Ziglar, 1975
- "Younger Next Year"; Chris Crowley & Henry S. Lodge, M.D., 2004
- Field of Dreams
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