I am a preacher (and a teacher) of positive self-talk, and nowhere do we have a greater opportunity to practice this than at the gym.
I was recently given the opportunity to film a “trainer’s tip” at our gym. Did I teach how to do a correct push up? Perfect squat? Nope! I talked about what I consider to be the most important form we can focus on – mental form.
How we talk to ourselves has a HUGE impact on our experience. We are listening to ourselves for better or worse, and often what we’re saying is not helpful. Our brain has a built-in negativity bias, so when left on its own to wander and interpret, often what it comes up with is not too pretty.
Negativity can start up the moment we walk in the door to the gym. At Manic Training, the workout is posted up on a big whiteboard. Imagine walking in, looking up and immediately finding things to complain about. For most of us, that’s not difficult.
“Ugg! 40 reps?! I can’t do that.” “Burpees? I hate burpees.” “Bikes again? Yuk!”
And it can go on from there. Comparisons, self-criticisms and judgements, complaining… by the end of class you’re just as tired from your self-talk as you are from the workout!
Consider what it would be like if you were mindful and deliberate about your self-talk, using it to fuel and inspire yourself rather than letting it weigh you down?
Imagine again walking in the door to the gym, but this time focusing on the aspects of the workout that you enjoy or setting the intention to have a positive attitude.
“Oh, yay, I love the bosu balls!” “Ok, we’ve got the bikes today – I”m going to be nice to myself while I’m pedaling today.”
And then during the workout, you support and encourage yourself. “I don’t need to be as strong as her; I can just enjoy my own workout.” “I feel really good. I’ve come a long way!”
How will you feel about yourself, the workout, the time spent after an hour of positive self-talk as opposed to beating up on yourself and complaining the whole time?
And it’s not just at Manic. The physical and mental experience of any exercise provides ample opportunity for mindful self-talk.
Running: “I’m tired today. I’m counting the steps for this to be over.” Versus: “How awesome that I got myself out here today. It is such a gorgeous day to be outside.”
Yoga: “How much time is left in this class?! I’m bored.” Versus: “Oh look, I’m feeling a little antsy. It’s ok. Can I settle back in and relax?”
Volleyball: “I stink.” Versus: “I had some great digs today. I like my teammates, and they seem to like me a lot, too.”
Exercise can be a “meditation in motion” if we use it to observe our thoughts and practice replacing negative self-talk with more positive, encouraging words. It’s basically giving you a double bang for your buck – why not give it a try?
