The ugly truth is some folks really actually love working out…must be nice! But here’s the thing, you can literally train your brain to feel the same way. According to researcher Marcelo Bigliassi, PhD, those who embrace exercise tend to experience more “remembered pleasure,” while others feel that classic “anticipatory dread.” So with a little mindset shift and consistency, here are three key things to help you fall in love with the workout mindset.
- Boost the Fun, Feel the Burn: Not obsessed with your workout yet? Sprinkle in some sweet treats for your brain like a special playlist, a fun podcast, or even a workout buddy. “You’re creating outside signals that can help you push a little bit harder and a little bit faster,” says Bigliassi. Over time, those positive vibes stick and boom, motivation becomes second nature.
- Push Yourself…Just Not Over the Edge: The key is to feel accomplished, not destroyed. Choose a pace or weight that feels doable but still pushes you a bit and say hello to a confidence boost! “More is not always better, and a pleasurable activity will be more easily sustained over time,” says Diogo Teixeira, PhD.
- Remind Your Mind Why It Matters: When you feel like skipping the gym just remind yourself what’s in it for you. “It’s difficult for some parts of our brain to make sense of exercise,” Bigliassi says, but strengthening the link to heart health, mental clarity, or even avoiding a cranky mood can work wonders. Call it your brain’s personal hype squad.
Source: Women’s Health
