excerpts from : Fitness Begins In Your Mind - By Mike Gardner
- I've trained and consulted with some of the biggest names in the fitness and sports arena. The more I teach and the more I learn, one key fact of fitness runs throughout the lives of those who are successful -- no matter what their goals -- Before anyone can achieve physical fitness, he or she must become mentally fit.
- Make no mistake, You need a sound diet and a consistent exercise to achieve physical fitness. But without the mental component, you're out of balance. Without balance, you'll find yourself yo-yo-dieting and yo-yo exercising. ... how often have you heard a fitness guru speak on the subject of mental fitness?
- Focusing on the mental part of the equation, consider this: The subconscious mind cannot distinguish between what is real or not real. So, when you set your physical fitness goal, put it in the form of a simple, positive statement that you can say out loud. Don't use the future tense, such as "...next week I'm going to start walking a mile a day." Rather, frame it as if it has already happened. For example, repeat this statement out loud: "I lost thirty pounds; I eat healthy; and I walk two nights a week for twenty minutes. I feel great!" If you will repeat these positive statements (or ones that you compose) at least three times, twice a day, within one month you will be well on your way to achieving your goal.
- Mental fitness should be the beginning of your total fitness program. It should include a series of positive affirmations that lead you to your fitness goals.
