3 Brain Hacks That Will Get You Past Your Fitness Roadblocks

How to trick your brain into finding the motivation to continue on your #FitnessJourney!

#selfcarehacks #workouthacks #workouttips #fitnessmotivation

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“Eliminate the pressure of being perfect with your goals by the intention to show up and be present. Sometimes showing up is all that matters.”

Once upon a time, I thought it was a great idea to train for a half-marathon. Three half-marathons later I realized how much you have to fight for your goals. Anytime you decide to embark on a fitness journey there comes a time when either you question your ability to achieve your goal or, you find yourself at a place where you are burned out. This happened to me often, and I had to find creative ways to push past the monotony of training. This became especially difficult because I didn’t have a support system that understood why I needed to train and stick to my program. Compromising my nutrition or skipping workouts wasn‘t an option for me. That time in my life taught me many valuable lessons about what I am truly capable of and the importance of having a support group that could share my experiences. Starting a fitness journey can be an exciting and challenging task. Whether you are trying to lose weight, build muscle, or improve your overall health, staying motivated can be difficult. There will be days when you don’t feel like moving, and your brain will produce a list of reasons why working out is a bad idea. Although there are times when we should listen to these queues, accomplishing your goals means having the mental strength to choose yourself no matter what. As we train our bodies to take on healthier habits, it's important to condition our minds. Many of the decisions that we make are subconscious and based on patterns. With a few simple brain hacks, you can push past motivation blocks, and create better habits that will help you achieve your goals.

The Importance of Showing Up

While training for my first marathon, I attended a church service and the pastor’s sermon was about showing up. That sermon completely changed my perspective on training. I decided just to show up and to honor where I was in the process. If I show up, I am doing my best, and my best is always enough. Regardless of how you feel, it is essential to make an effort to show up to your life. This may look different from day to day. You get to define what your best looks like. It's easy to forget that progress is not linear. Ultimately, what’s important is that you push past the roadblock. This eliminates the pressures of the expectations that we place on ourselves. You don’t have to be perfect. If you get to the gym and all you do is walk on the treadmill, that’s a win. If you are having a tough day and all you can do is go to the park and read, that’s a win. If you are in desperate need of a mental health day and only have the energy for showering and getting dressed, allow yourself to honor that moment; give yourself room to be human. The concept of showing up will help deepen your commitment to your goals and create a positive feedback loop in the brain. When you begin a fitness journey, it often means an over hall of your life mentally, physically, and emotionally. If you don’t show up for you, who will?

Let Your Style Serve as a Form of Motivation

“The right tools can enhance your performance and make your workouts more enjoyable”

My second go-to brain hack is to use your gym outfits as a source of motivation. Your gym fits refer to the clothing and gear you wear to work out. Many people underestimate the power of dressing up for their workouts. However, research has shown what we wear can significantly impact our mental state and performance. When you dress up for your workout, you send a signal to your brain that you are ready to work hard and achieve your goals. Wearing clothing that makes you feel confident and comfortable can improve your self-esteem, which can lead to better performance during your workouts. To use your gym fits to motivate you, choose clothing that makes you feel good about yourself. Listen to your body. If you are experiencing sensory overload and tactile sensitivity, go for a baggy, less restrictive look. It doesn't have to be expensive or trendy; it just needs to be something you feel confident in. Additionally, invest in high-quality workout gear. The right tools can enhance your performance and make your workouts more enjoyable. I'm always looking for workout gear. Athleisure is a huge trend right now. The last thing I want to do is fumble with my clothes during my workout. Everything has to be on point or I get distracted and begin to focus on my clothes instead of getting through my workout. Currently, one of my favorite brands is Halara. The fabric that they use is soft, and they are size inclusive. I like to be stylish and comfortable. Currently, I am obsessed with this brand! They check all my boxes. If you're new to fitness and don't want to spend your entire paycheck on leggings, Halara is a great brand that offers quality and comfort.

Knowing When to Give Yourself Grace

Grace refers to giving yourself permission to be imperfect and make mistakes without judgment or self-criticism. Setbacks and failures are a natural part of any journey, and it's okay to take a break or adjust your goals when needed. Giving yourself grace doesn't mean giving up or making excuses. Instead, it's about acknowledging that you're human and may need to rest or reassess your goals to stay committed to your fitness journey. Remember, progress is not linear. Resist the urge to compare your progress to someone else. Giving yourself grace is also about recognizing that mental toughness doesn't mean being tough on yourself or pushing yourself too hard. Instead, it's about being kind to yourself and giving yourself the space you need to grow and succeed. One way to give yourself grace in fitness is to prioritize rest and recovery. Rest is essential for allowing your body to heal and recharge after intense workouts. Recovery is necessary to help prevent injury and burnout. Additionally, taking breaks from intense workouts can help you avoid feeling overwhelmed or fatigued. #Selfcare and #Selflove should be the number one priority. When you put yourself first, and make it a priority to treat yourself with love and respect, you will soon find yourself in alignment with mind, body, and spirit. Everything else will fall into place. Extending grace to yourself and everyone around you will help you develop more patience with yourself, and give you the perspective that you need to be successful on your journey.

Get Inspired

If you made it this far, thank you! I hope you found encouragement and inspiration. I hope you feel seen and validated. Don't forget to subscribe for more tips and tool to help you navigate your self-care journey. Do you need help identifying and sticking with a self-care routine? Don't forget to download my self-care ebook titled Selfish!