Why Your Mind Is Your Most Important Workout Tool

In a recent conversation with Mary Ann Zinck of HEAT Fitness Studio,  we discussed how a lot of people find it so difficult to really believe that they can lose weight and get fit.

We have seen ourselves a certain way for so long and it is hard to "see" ourselves in shape. It really does take a complete 180 degree shift in our way of thinking and thus in our way of living.

I was 60 some pounds in grade primary. I still see that "husky" little kid. People call me "big guy". It is hard to let go of that stuff.

You really have to train your brain to see yourself in a new light. The new you. That is who you are NOW. Not in the future because the future does not exist.

Use some affirmations to help with this. I have mine on a poster that is on the wall at the foot of my bed so they are the first thing I see when I wake up.

• I love myself
• I love my body and honor it
• My body is a physical projection of my beliefs about myself
• I am powerful
• I have much to offer
• My body and health(physical and mental) are my number 1 priority
• My body knows what it needs and I trust its wisdom

Without using your mind to believe that you will accomplish something it becomes very easy to revert to old habits.

I am very fortunate in that I live alone and can make my own schedule in regards to meals and working out.


Mary Ann and I are getting together later on today to devise a plan to get me from this:

to this:

So in an effort to get started on this path I did 45 minutes of cardio on my elliptical bike this morning. The elliptical I have is just cheap one from Canadian Tire that I got in early 2008. I have used it a lot. It is on sale this week for 139.00. You can see it here.  It may not look like much but it is pretty good. Assembly was a bitch though!