Prior to doing CrossFit, I admit that I was a “gym rat,” going to the gym 5-6 times a week and spending an hour to an hour and a half taking a group exercise class or doing cardio mixed with free weights. I did the same routine day-in and day-out, not really pushing myself to work harder. I was able to maintain my weight and fitness level, but my body composition never really changed. I thought I was pretty fit, until I did my first CrossFit wod and felt what it was like to push my mind and body out of my comfort zone.

This is so true! You are in charge of you! Don't cheat, but push yourself! Be proud of all your hard work, it is not meant to be easy!!!!

The feeling was mind blowing! Even though I felt like I wasn’t going to make it through that first workout (and all I wanted to do was lay on the floor when I was done), my body loved it and I couldn’t wait for more! I needed that “push” to change things up and truly change my body composition inside and out. I finally knew what it felt like to really push myself as hard as I could, which is one of the many reasons why I love CrossFit.

Sure, it’s easy to step back into that rut and only do the minimal effort and not really give 100% in my wods, especially on days when I’m tired. But, I always think about how much better I will look and feel if I challenge myself to go all out.

Fitness Is 100% Mental - You Must Push Yourself! #fitfam #fitness

Only you can truly challenge yourself beyond your comfort zone. Sure, a coach or a trainer can help push you to go a little faster or give a little more effort, but ultimately it is up to you (mind over matter). Here are 3 tips that I use to help motivate me (and my clients) to go faster, push harder and/or give 110%…

1. Imagine! Visualize yourself when you have reached your goal. What does that look like? Have you lost 10 pounds or gained lean muscle mass? When a wod is really tough, I think about how much stronger I am going to be and look after completing it. The mental picture always helps me get through those challenging workouts and on days when I am not motivated.

2. Know Your Why! What is your “why” for getting up early and working out? Is it to stay healthy and keep up with your kids, or is it too lose the baby weight and get back into your skinny jeans? For me, my why is to stay healthy and fit (especially since I have a family history of high cholesterol) to look and feel my best in order to be my best self for my family. Sometimes I lose sight of my “why” and in times where I need a little push, I think about it.

3. Set little rewards. One of my favorite things to look forward to after completing my workouts is a nice warm cup of coffee (since I workout early in the morning)! As I am doing my wod, I picture my nice warm mug of coffee in my hands and how good it will taste. It’s a nice reward after a grueling wod! Give yourself a little reward after you finish your workout so you have something to look forward to when you are done.

This is true. The more effort you put in, the easier it becomes. Then you challenge yourself to do more. It's all about practice.

Questions:

How do you push yourself through your workouts when you are feeling unmotivated?

What is your “why” for working out out and staying fit?