Think Fit to Get Fit: How to Develop a Fitness Mindset

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Embarking on a fitness journey requires the kind of resolve that doesn’t expire at the sight of a double cheeseburger and large fries, or when you come home sore after the first day of training. You see, some people are eager only at the beginning but suddenly lose interest once the workout becomes harder and tedious. Others, on the other hand, merely content themselves about dreaming of becoming fit someday without doing something about it. The thing is if you want to be in shape and be healthy, you don’t stop at wanting to become fit. You can have a lifetime convincing yourself that taking the trash from the kitchen to the backyard counts as exercise, but if you don’t get your ass to the gym, it’s never going to happen.

You might even think of going to the gym at least once a day every day, but this particular mental calisthenics will not give you the six-pack abs or the svelte figure you’ve been pining to have. What can work though is developing a fitness mindset, one that will actually pump you up to get started with training. Not sure where to begin? Here are six ways on how to prepare yourself mentally for the workout that will give you your dream figure.

1. Be firm on why you should train.

A lot of people tend to make getting fit a part of their  New Year’s resolution but like most resolutions, not everyone who makes this pact are able to follow through. Maybe it’s the leftover holiday turkey or the Valentine’s Day chocolates that did it in, but the point is if you really want to get fit, you need to find a strong reason to train. Some are motivated by hallmark events in life such as weddings or a formal gala that requires them to lose weight to fit themselves into formal dresses and tuxedos, while some simply look forward to wearing their swimsuits for the summer. While these reasons have worked for some people, it shouldn’t mean that you must only exercise when you you’re looking forward to such events.

Having a fit and healthy body is actually enough of a reason to finally hit the gym. If you think about it, you’ll be able to wear anything you like once you’ve achieved this goal. Also, be as specific as you can when coming up with a reason to exercise. Whether it’s to play basketball with your friends better or to lift yourself easier when dancing, make your motivation something that you can easily picture.

2. Keep a positive outlook.

Quitting training can be as easy if as getting started especially if all you think and talk about is how demanding and painful it is. Instead of wallowing on how exhausting working out can be, focus on the reality that it’s more beneficial than it is difficult. You have to admit, it feels quite good when you’ve finished a session at the gym. If this is going to be your first time to sign up to working out, you’ve probably heard awful stories about unsuccessful attempts at getting fit but don’t let this discourage you. Keep a positive attitude by telling yourself that “I will do fifty push-ups today” instead of “I’ll try to reach fifty push-ups today.” Be the first person who pushes yourself to go to the gym and does it because it’s actually fun and helpful.

3. Get your partner involved.

Whether as your gym buddy or simply your number one fan, getting your significant other involved in your fitness agenda. There are gym-goers who tend to succeed more when they have someone to go to the gym with especially if it’s someone really close to them. You and your SO can look after each other particularly in the observance of your training program and the meals you’re eating. If you two are living together, it will also be easier for you to pull each other to the gym and work out. But if your partner is happy with simply supporting you, share with him or her details of your training, your progress, and the parts you’re having problems with. Your partner may not be an expert on what you’re doing but he or she probably knows you enough to push the right buttons and help you keep going.

4. Make friends with fit people.

Remember that quote you read that told you to surround yourself with happy people if you want to become one, too? It applies with getting fit, too. If you really want to get serious with training, you need to make connections with people who are in the same boat because from them you can learn techniques and tips to help you accomplish your training program. They can also give you encouragement which is sometimes the only thing you need to not quit. Who knows, once you’ve made friends with a couple of people or more, you might find a gym buddy you can train with.

5. Dress to kill in the gym.

Apart from perfecting your drills and exercises, another way to kill it at the gym is by dressing the part. While you’re still solidifying your fitness mindset, you can start shopping for nice gym clothes and shoes that will make you look forward to going to the gym. Dress the way a person in great shape would and feel better about the mere fact that you successfully made it to your first class. Your workout outfit doesn’t even have to be fancy. As long as it’s appropriate for training and feels comfortable, you will be able to rock it.

6. Eat healthy.

How you literally feel inside can influence your attitude towards exercising. You may feel like you need to hit the gym as soon as you finish that slice of chocolate cake you had for dessert but you’ll probably change your mind the moment you’re done eating. Aside from positive thinking, you also need to make your body feel ready for strenuous training. You can do so by ditching junk food and replacing them with healthier options. Ask a dietitian or a nutritionist before signing up to a training program and follow the meals prescribed to you. Remember that no amount of working out will pay off if you keep on gaining the pounds you lose from exercising by eating fatty food.

Once you’ve adapted a healthy workout mindset, it’s important that you follow through with discipline. Follow your training program consistently and if you feel like your interest is starting to wane, ask your partner or workout friends to do you a favor and drag you to the gym. No, seriously, allow them to intervene and help you. It will also help if you manage your expectations. Set only goals that are reasonable for your build and type of exercise regimen. And of course, the sooner you get started on this, the better.

Jef Ramos
While pondering my place in the universe and thinking of ways to avoid becoming a mere footnote in history, I am currently working as a web strategist and content writer at Xight Interactive. Getting fit, eating healthy, playing basketball, and biking drive me to become better. I am also passionate about comic books and building Gundam plastic models. You can find me on Twitter, Google Plus, and Facebook.