Motivation
is a psychological feature that encourages an individual to act towards a desired goal. It could be the simple fact of seeing someone else lifting or squatting more than you which could motivate you, or maybe it’s because you are trying to impress the cute girl on the treadmill. Whatever it may be, there are motivational elements all around us.
Motivation is a very important factor in elite level sports for the simple reason it’s what makes you do what you do. If you’re not motivated to be the absolute best you can be, then you will definitely fall far short of that which you are capable.
There are two particular types of motivation, Intrinsic and Extrinsic.
Intrinsic motivation is motivation from within, it’s a desire to perform well and succeed. Extrinsic motivation comes from a source outside of the performer.
What techniques can regular guys use to get motivated?
1. Set a Goal - Try to set a PR (Personal Record), or increase the weight you are pushing incrementally. Try to improve on your last performance each time you hit the gym. Keep a journal and log each workout. This will help you achieve your goal.
2. Reward Yourself – If you’ve had a particularly intense all out workout then maybe reward yourself with a post workout treat or meal which you’ve been craving. This will give your workout a more satisfactory outcome and will ensure you don’t reward yourself unless you have pushed yourself to the limits
3. Music – Crank up the ipod and pump up the volume. Try using fast paced music during sets and a slower more mellow tune during rest periods as research from Brunel University indicates that this approach increases work output, reduces perceived exertion and improves the task at hand.
4. Talk Smack – Use some positive self talk to get yourself in the zone, and reinforce your self esteem. The right kind of repetitive self-talk can positively alter an athlete’s belief system. You can either use the mood-related self-talk method, which impacts upon your emotional self being. Or you could use the positive self-affirmation statement which most athletes use to reiterate how great they are. Arnold was a master at this method
5. Watch Some Motivation – Why not amp up your mood by watching some fitness related motivational videos before hitting the gym to get you in the zone. Check out my latest motivational video for a good example:
I hope you have found this helpful and my video motivational. Now, put these techniques to work for you and watch your motivational levels soar!
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