The Groove

by: Pm - March 26th, 2008

We’ve all had ‘em. Those workouts when everything seems to click. Your confidence is high. You’re strong, so you’re movin’ the weight around easily. You not even dreadin’ cardio as much as usual. You just feel great. You’re in the groove.

Ever since I’ve been on my new program, I seem to be in this groove. And I love it. Unfortunately, I know it’s only a matter of time before I pop out of that groove – as has happened with every other program that’s ever worked really well for me in the past.

While it’s impossible to be in the groove forever (the body is just too good at adapting to change), I’m determined to try and stay here as long as I possibly can. So, I did a little research.

Scientists don’t completely understand why we’re stronger, more agile, faster, etc. on some days and woefully lacking on others, but they have identified a few elements that appear to be indispensable. They are as follows:

• Planning – having specific goals for each workout helps set the “bar” for that workout. Your confidence and sense of satisfaction builds as you complete each objective.

• Surroundings – if you’re not comfortable where you’re working out, find a new gym …or at least find a new time to visit that gym. Having to wait excessively long for equipment or training with people with significantly different motivations and aspirations (i.e., the cheesy pick-up artists, the cell phone people, the cardio freaks, etc.) can really kill the mood.

• Focus – try to expel thoughts, other than the task at hand. By engrossing yourself in what you’re doing …feeling the muscles work, carefully counting out each rep, envisioning what’s to come, etc., you’ll better enjoy your workout.

• Motivation – to actually perform, you must want to perform. What’s your motivation for being at the gym? Are you looking for more strength for team sports? Does having more muscle mass give you greater confidence? Are you exercising for health reasons? Remind yourself of what it is that brought you to the gym in the first place.

• P.M.A. – Positive Mental Attitude, at least IMO, is probably one of the most important items on this list. If you believe that you can’t do something, you’re right. On the other hand, we are pretty much capable of achieving anything that we get our sights locked onto. So, get yourself into the mood before you get to the gym. Visualize your workout, pack your gear, sip on a pre-workout energy drink, and prepare to dive into the groove.

Just jottin’ this all down has got me that much more psyched for tonight’s workout. Hopefully, it motivates some of you too???

…till next time.

Happy Heaving,

PM

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