Want mental sharpness during your workout? Have a plan. I have spoken about the need to change your workout to prevent plateaus in the past. There are those however, who have the opposite problem... They have either no plan at all or just a general idea of what they want to do for their workout with no clear focus. Having a clear, focused plan will accelerate gains in reaching your personal goals. It will also allow you to mentally allow yourself to get into the right mind set and feel the muscles working, allow you to focus on form and not be distracted by socializing. You will be able to approach your exercise session with clarity and purpose.
Tips for a focused, purposeful workout...
1. Plan your workout ahead of time. Determine which exercises and order you will complete them. This will minimize fluttering from exercise to exercise aimlessly. It will allow you to stay on track and keep you focused on moving to the next set.
2. Before you begin, take a few minutes to visualize yourself going through the workout. Picture in your mind yourself performing a personal best lift or run. Picture in your mind the workout. While driving into the gym think about the workout and how you will make progress.
3. If you are like me and use your phone to connect to iHeart Radio, Pandora, Spotify, or a playlist, SHUT THE ALERT OFF! This is something I found I have had to do. You've got your music pumping in your ears, you're in the middle of a workout, right in the middle of a set or cardio and "DING" the phone alerts you there is a message! Nothing will kill the momentum and progress of a workout like an email from work, text from a friend or your job! IT'S AN HOUR... YOU OWE IT TO YOURSELF, YOUR HEALTH, YOUR SANITY... Shut your alerts off!
4. OK, I admit, this is a shameless promotion but... HIRE A CERTIFIED PERSONAL TRAINER, Nothing will keep you focused on your workout and goals like a good personal trainer. They will keep your workout moving forward, keep you focused on form and provide the best exercises for your specific goals. Working with a Certified Personal Trainer will keep you from sitting around or socializing between sets. A Personal Trainer will help you to not be distracted by emails, texts and calls.
5. If a Personal Trainer is not an option, find a motivated workout partner. It's important to find someone with the same goals and drive you have! I caution you however, be careful your partner doesn't start to disrupt your workout by talking between or during sets about personal life issue etc. I recommend if working out with a partner, you both wear headphones and focus on the task at hand. There is always time before or after the workout to socialize!
So there you have it, a few tips to stay focused on your workouts and making progress. Don't be THAT person who is tying up the equipment by sitting on it talking or texting. Don't be that loud talker on the cardio equipment disrupting someone else's workout. Go into your workout with a purpose, stay focused and get the results you want!