This is a new page and aimed at the psychology of exercise.

 

Whilst it should be pointed out that i don't hold a sports psychology degree, I do have a diploma in applied psychology from the Open University alongside my fitness qualifications. I feel able talk about sport, exercise and fitness whilst applying motivational techniques and to some degree psychological aspects.

 

Many of us start with good intentions to do something, whether it is to run a 10k or lose some weight. We at sweat and smile personal training are often asked advice about how to overcome problems as to why people stop or fail. Some times it can be as simple as trying something new for a while, for example take a rest from running and try a bike ride instead.

 

Below are some excuses and how psychology can turn things around.

Often take a negative thought and changing it to a positve one.

 

Excuse: I am too busy and don't have the time to exercise.

Positive: I can make the time to do some exercise.

 

Excuse: I look silly at the gym, on my bike or out running.

Positive: I will seek a instructor and ask them what to do. I will run or cycle with friends. I will do this regardless of what I look like.

 

Most of all we our selves often create the obstacles that block out exercise - be honest no one is really looking at us!

 

Here is a SMART way to train.

 

Personal trainers know many things and are able to help you in many ways and though i don't want to give too many secrets away we do follow a few simple rules. One of which is the SMART rule. Whilst doing my personal training course this was drilled into us time and time again. When I plan any program, whether it's a 10 week running program or a weight loss program i use SMART.

 

S= Specific. What do you want to do? What you want to achieve? For example to run 3 miles around Baslow or cycle up Mam Tor.

M= measurable. How will you know when you have reached your goal? What will it feel like to reach your goal. Taking the above examples you will know when you have achived your goal when running the 3 miles around Baslow has been done.

A= Achievable. Can it be done, where, when and how will it be done. There is no point saying you are going to bike up the broken road in Castleton is you don't own a bike/

R= Realistic. Is the goal realistic. Here we mean you can't run the White Peak Marathon next week if you have never run before. But you could run/walk 1mile at Little Hucklow.

T= Timed. When do you want to achieve your goals, is the time frame sufficient. For example you want to lose 1 stone in weight and you set yourself 3 months to do so.

(the above was taken from Life time Fitness, though all examples are my own)

 

Once you have your goal and it's SMART you have something to focus one. If then have problems why not ask me a level 3 personal trainer based in the peak district to help.  

 

 

These tips come from many places, friends, family and course I have done.

 

Practice makes perfect.

Sweat plus sacrifice equals success (Charlie Finlay)

If you are good be better

winners make goals, losers make excuses (Pawel Bal)

Eat smaller, more frequent meals between training (own notes taken when studying with Life time fitness)