1. Caffeine– Coffee or my personal favorite- Bang (Star Blast) flavor energy drink!
Why caffeine? Caffeine is one of the best-tested ergogenic aids and is known to help athletes train harder and longer. Several research studies show caffeine ingestion yields significant improvements in exercise performance; caffeine increases muscle torque and activity during strength training exercise. And MOST importantly The Journal of Applied Physiology found that caffeine increased the level of enjoyment from exercise! 🙂
2. CARBS– A little sugar goes a long way!
Processed sugar causes a spike in blood sugar and insulin levels, but also increases endorphins that can boost your mood and provide a chemical “high” and bump up your energy level.
Gym rat tip- always keep some candy in your gym bag! I love the sour cherry gummy bites from Target or the Twin (Happy) Cherries from Haribo.
3. Enlist a friend-
Swolemates make the world go round and misery LOVES company especially when its CARDIO that has to get done.
4. Music-
Music and mood are inherently linked. You can dial up a mood, mindset or perception on demand by choosing music that elicits a specific emotional response in you. All music is a powerful tool that you can use to alter your perceptions at a neural level.
Listen to some classic throw backs, try out a new Pandora station, or download some new jams! I LOVE going through the new releases on iTunes to find some new music to fuel my workout.
5. Dress to impress-
Put on your favorite gym shirt or outfit! And throw on a little EXTRA makeup and maybe some glitter! WTH not? “Look good, feel good!” In the world of sports psychology, a players’ appearance can actually affect his or her performance. Enclothed cognition is the influence that clothing- what you are wearing- has on a person’s emotions. Clothes have a symbolic meaning, and a person can have different physical experiences with different articles of clothing. Allegedly, Michael Jordan couldn’t play without his North Carolina shorts under his Chicago Bulls shorts.
6. Motivational content-
Watch a training video on YouTube or listen to a motivational podcast. I recommend The Rock (really who doesn’t want to watch him?!) Johnson motivational Eric Thomas Speech 2018! If that doesn’t get you amped up to hit the gym, then I don’t know what will.
7. Visual stimulation-
Look back at your own photos and training videos. Admire your personal hard work and progress! Reflect on the current goals you are working on. Give yourself a quick pep talk and Be your own COACH!
MOST importantly get yourself to THE GYM!!! That’s the KEY!! Most of these workouts turn out to be some of your best training sessions!!! And even if it isn’t, you won’t regret getting your workout done! And just keep doing it time after time because you are establishing the pattern. The follow through and consistency is SO important. This creates discipline and on the days that you are not motivated, you will have the discipline and a few tips to help you get you there!
Stay #strong,
Laura Nicole Hughes
Owner of #strong, LLC