Want to know the secret of many professional athletes? You can use sports psychology and mental training to reach your fitness and health goals faster and easier! Here are our top 10 mental training tips to build new motivation and confidence and find major breakthroughs in fitness, your training, and your life.
Positive Images
During your workouts, use positive mental images to create feelings of speed and power. For example, if you’re running or cycling and you’re approaching a hill, imagine a magnet pulling you to the top. You should use positive visualisation before, during, and after workouts for increased success.
Power Words
Negative thinking is common as everyone has an inner critic, so counteract this by making positive self-statements continuously while you train. If negativity creeps in, don’t fight these feelings, just acknowledge them and then substitute these thoughts with positive power words. For example, “I feel connected to my body and I’m doing my best”.
Present Focus
Being in the present moment is imperative to successful mental and physical training. Don’t compare your current performance to past mistakes made, and work on being in the here and now. Don’t think about the past mistakes or worry about the future, just let past and future events fade away into the background.
Advantage
Use everything during your workout to your advantage. For example, if you’re running outdoors and someone passes you, tuck in behind them and try to match their energy for as long as possible. You may just find your ‘second wind’ and beat your personal best. Racehorses have been known to do the same thing and break free from the pack at the last minute. Keep this in mind for future Geelong Cup Betting success!
Goal Breakdowns
Consider what your final goal is, and then break that down into smaller, more manageable goals. Don’t focus on the entire workout, as things could quickly become overwhelming and you may begin to feel as if you’ll never make it, focus only on your immediate goal.
Body Scanning
Pay close attention to your body as you train, and check your tension levels and training form. Do a body scan while exercising and actively attempt to relax any tight muscles. Ask yourself questions such as if your shoulders and neck is relaxed and how your pace feels.
Pain as Effort
Believe it or not, there is a ‘good’ pain and ‘bad’ pain. Good pain is best described as the pain of effort, while bad pain denotes damage. If you’re feeling the good pain, shift your focus to your breathing or the cadence of your movement, and let the discomfort fade into the background.
Detaching from the Outcome
Focus only on what you need to think about right now, for example your pace, breathing, and concentration, and don’t focus on the final outcome. Your final time or score will take care of itself.
Focused Attention
Be acutely aware of distractions. Breathe out unwanted thoughts with your next exhale, and instantly centre your focus on what is important right now, in this moment.
Celebration
Enjoy and appreciate your fitness and strength, celebrate all goals, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant – all progress is good. Remember that your goals are realistic and all you have to do is perform to your best capabilities.