4 Quick and Easy Mind-Hacks For Exercise

In the wise words of Billy Ocean, “When the going gets tough, the tough get going”.

This is all well and good but when your lungs are burning and your legs are on fire and your heart feels like it might burst, getting going (or rather keeping going) isn’t always that easy, no matter how tough you usually are.

But don’t fret, help is at hand with these nifty mind-hacks to help spur you on to the finish…

---

1. Notice The Self-Talk

Mental strength starts before you even lace up your trainers. If you know you’ve got a challenging session coming up, it’s best to keep motivation levels high to help get you through. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again- what you tell yourself matters.

"I have to go for [insert exercise session here] later. It’s going to kill me… Groan…"

and

"I get to go for [same exercise session here]. It might be tough but I know I can do it/ it’s getting me faster fitter and stronger/ I will feel incredible afterwards!"

See the difference?

---

2. The Magic Of Mantras

What you repeatedly say during exercise matters too. Mantras work best when out doing something repetitive such as cycling or running because you can then say your piece in time to your own rhythm. Not only does a mantra help boost your mental stick, but it can also help with your breathing pattern too by forcing you to… Well… Breathe. Always a bonus.

What to say? Well that’s up to you. You could come up with your own small phrase, pick three key words or rotate a few sentences over and over.

---

3. Be Your Own Coach

No one is lucky enough to have someone following them around 24/7 boosting them up and reassuring them, so sometimes you have to take this on yourself.

I was out biking the other day, it was near the end of the ride, I was tired, I was ready to go home and then I was faced with the daunting task of a loooong sloooow climb. The only way I made it back to the carpark at a half decent speed was by using this trick.

“Neeearly there, almost done, you can do it, just keep going, you’re a bit closer now, you’re gonna feel great when it’s done, the quicker you go the sooner you’ll be home, don’t let him (person infront) leave you standing now, nearly there, last little push just keep going…” And so on in soothing tones all the way back. Made it, felt awesome.

---

4. Just One More

This is a great one for pushing yourself further than you normally would. Pick a point, agree with yourself to run/cycle/whatever to it, when you’re there honestly assess whether you can make it to the next checkpoint. If you really can’t, take that breather. If you think you possibly can- no matter how slow you might go or how hard it might feel- then go for it!

Lamp-posts and trees work really well but you can use anything. If you don’t want to use checkpoints, or you’re in the gym/doing a home workout, try using 30 second intervals.

---

There you have it, my top tricks for when you just want to give up. Give them a go, let me know how you get on. Did I miss your favourite? Let me know in the comments section below!

If you'd like more mindset hacks and a program to follow, check out why all Hell Yeah Healthy Programs work and then find your perfect match. 

Do you have any extra tips for me? Any comments? That's great- shoot me a message or leave me a comment below ​❤

Read Next:
6 Time Saving Tips For Healthy Eating In A Busy World
6 Hacks To Make Exercise Easier