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We've all been there - we've all had days when we let that little voice inside our head convince us that we don't want to exercise and that it would be much more enjoyable to sit right here on the couch, thank you very much. As convincing as that little voice can be, you don't have to listen to it.

It's All About Attitude

Psychologists say, in this article on MSNBC, that the success (or failure) of an exercise routine has much more to do with thoughts and attitude than you might think. It takes practice, but replacing that negative voice with a positive one is easier than you think. Once you change your mind, your body will follow.



The first step in charting the right course to fitness is to recognize how your thoughts are undermining your exercise plan, says Gareth Dutton, a psychologist at Florida State University in Tallahassee. The second step is to challenge the negative thinking – and there’s certainly no shortage of that when it comes to exercise.

Change Your Thoughts

Simply tell yourself another story. Don't allow that inner monologue to be negative about working out - change your tune. Remind yourself of all the benefits of working out; improved muscled tone, fitness, sleep, mood and how great it makes you feel. Instead of imagining sore muscles or a strenuous workout, imagine how much energy you'll have after the workout or how great you'll look in that pair of pants you haven't been able to wear in years.

Make Positive Thinking a Habit

Sticking to a workout routine depends heavily on your attitude. When you hear yourself begin to think negatively, just switch it out for a positive thought. If you're new to working out, this is doubly important. Realize that you won't see results overnight, but that you'll feel better immediately and results will follow closely.

It can be tough for beginners to master the skills necessary to adhere to an exercise plan, but give it time, advises Diane Whaley, an associate professor of sport and exercise psychology at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, and a spokesperson for the Association for Applied Sport Psychology. “If you can stick it out for six months, it starts to become a part of who you are versus what you do,” she says. “You have more of an identity as an exerciser.”


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