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Simon Gama
Breaking away from the blahs of training can be difficult. Lack of motivation strikes every athlete at some point. Even champions have their ups and downs.
The difference between a champion and everyone else is that the champion has learnt to beat the training blues.
The key to fresh, productive and stimulating workouts is motivation. The following factors develop and influence it. 1) Attitude — A positive outlook to your workouts is essential to progress. A good way to gain and keep it is by remembering why you started to train in the first place. Recall your goals and the novelty of the iron game. Then try to put that drive and excitement back into your current routine.
2) Cross Training — Variety is an important ingredient in your training. Try to spice up your regimen by participating in other physical activities. Choosing activities that complement but do not hamper your weight training goals will keep you fresh.
3) Exercises — A good idea is to vary your training by incorporating new exercises and/ or changing the order of the exercises already in your routine. This will keep you from boredom and will stimulate gains.
4) Gym Atmosphere — The same equipment and the same people day after day can diminish motivation. A good way to avoid the same old routine is to change gyms for a day, week, month or a year. A different environment is a valuable source of stimulation to the body and mind.
5) Goal Setting — The most important task of all is setting goals. You must establish what it is you hope to accomplish with your training. This will help you focus your energy and plan a course of action to achieve your objective. A definitive purpose is the key to your training motivation and success.
6) Intensity — To spark your training, change the intensity level. You can change the intensity of your training sessions by decreasing or increasing your reps, sets and or weights. The intensity of your workouts can be further altered by manipulating the duration of your workouts, the frequency in which you train in a day and or in a week, as well as by the rest and recuperation you take between sets and workouts.
7) Higher Purpose — Training for your own personal satisfaction is not always enough. You very often become bored with yourself. At this point try to find new meaning and purpose in your workouts. Exercise for your health, for your high school class reunion, or train for competition.
8) Musical Choices — Music is an intricate yet often overlooked variable in training. You should listen to music that moves you. A way to ensure that you get your musical preference is by investing in an AM/FM radio/cassette player with headphones. Tune up your workouts with your own musical muses.
9) Partners — Another person can influence your motivation tremendously. Choose your training partner carefully and wisely. Your partner should possess several qualities. Above all, he or she should share your level of commitment. Following this is given your partner should be personally compatible with you and share similar training goals. All else is negotiable to your training relationship.
10) Influences — To gain and/or sustain motivation, you have to surround yourself with positive people. Your family and friends should encourage and help you to achieve your goals. Do not associate with individuals who bring you down. Likewise, emulate and mingle with ambitions and successful people. An accomplished person as well as a thriving individual will inspire you to be the best you can be!
11) Recuperation — To progress and succeed in your training, your body and mind must receive the proper nutrition and rest they require to heal. Over-training and or poor eating habits will zap your motivation faster than just about anything else.
12) Visualisation — The ultimate motivation is to envision the body you want to have in the future. Imagine yourself hard, lean and muscular walking down the beach bronzed to perfection as others admire your physique. If you can see your body and feel its power, you will strive to achieve it. Your ideal self feels and looks great, and this will motivate you.
Motivation is a driving force behind success. Evaluate your training and rekindle your flame to train! A few changes can dramatically alter the way you feel about your workouts. You will look forward to your training as it becomes more enjoyable and productive again. -Additional information from online sources.
The writer, Simon Gama is a fitness trainer at Body Works Gym in Bulawayo.
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