We weren't always in-shape and healthy. Six years ago we realized our lives had spiraled out of control.
“So, you think THAT’s bad . . .”
Since it has been such a mild winter I’ve been doing cardio outside much more than inside lately. Last night it got too late so I did 24 minutes inside on the eliptical. Since I hadn’t done eliptical for a while, it was a little more challenging that I had remembered. But alas, before I wasted 24 minutes on cardio that was just not high enough in intensity to allow me to feel REALLY good about my efforts, I remembered a trick I used in my first 12-week challenge to keep up the intensity and beat cardio-block.
Sometimes a cardio-block is valid and it is an indication that you are catching a cold, haven’t gotten enough sleep or your body needs you to take a break. But by now, if you really tap into your heart, you probably know the difference between a valid cardio-block and a mental cardio-block.
If you really need a break, take a break. It’s the mental cardio-block I’m talking about today.
Any time I find myself thinking “This is too hard . . . Maybe I’ll slow it down a few clicks . . . I’m so tired . . .” I have found something important to say to myself.
“So, you think THAT’s bad . . .”
Here’s how it works.
I think “This is too hard.”
I say to myself “So, you think THAT’s bad . . .”
And I increase the speed on the elliptical, the treadmill, the bike or the stairmaster.
I think “Maybe I’ll slow it down a few clicks . . . ”
I say to myself “So, you think THAT’s bad . . .”
And I increase the speed on the elliptical, the treadmill, the bike or the stairmaster.
I think “I’m so tired . . .”
I say to myself “So, you think THAT’s bad . . .”
And I increase the speed on the elliptical, the treadmill, the bike or the stairmaster.
Sooner than I can believe, my mental trick has paid off, my cardio is done, and my intensity was something I could celebrate.
I hope you like this little trick to beat your Cardio-Block. If you have a trick that works for you, will you share it with us?
Have a GREAT Body-for-LIFE Day!
Tami
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February 17, 2006 1:54 pm
Yes, I like your way of thinking!!!!!!
Great strategy
February 17, 2006 2:04 pm
Hi Laura -
It may not work for ALL things in life, but it certainly gets intensity out of cardio!
Glad you like it.
Tami
March 11, 2006 11:49 am
Tami:
Thanks for the good trick. I was feeling a bit sluggish today and wanted to back off my run, but then I thought about how we’re programmed to crave comfort, and that usually leads me back to my “before” self…yikes!
I plan on using your method next time. Be well!
K
March 11, 2006 12:48 pm
Hi Kyle!
I have never heard of your term, to “crave comfort,” but I sure felt it today.
I just got back from my run, began to crave comfort, and found myslef digging into my bag of cardio tricks for one that would work today.
This trick I call “revolving goals.” While running, I set one goal. When I get close to reaching it, I set a different goal.
Here’s how it works. I set a visual goal that I’m going to run until that light-post. I might not make it a step further, I think, but at least I can make it there.
As I near the lamp-post, I realize that the song on my iPod just started. Now that I’ve made it to the lamp-post, I might not make it a step further, but at least I can make it through this song.
As the song nears an end, I find another landmark in the near distance and encourage myself to make it that far.
Before I know it, the “revolving goals” trick has done its job and I’ve finished the run.
Let me know how this works for you! And if you have another strategy, I’d love to try it.
Thanks, Kyle!
June 4, 2006 4:15 am
I read this a couple of years ago, and it really helps a lot:
When you do say 20min of cardio, use a stopwatch that counts backwards!
It’s like NASA counting down lift off - instead of thnking Jeez, huff puff, I’ve already done 15min’s and I’m really beginning to feel it now, mabey I could just rest a bit/ stop now?
You actually see WELL, only 5 min’s left, 4, 3, 2, 1 and DONE!! Same thing, I know, but mentally it just does the trick to help you push a bit harder to get the last minute or two beaten!
Good Luck!
July 28, 2006 11:38 am
Excellent strategy, Ivy!
I find it amazing how much of getting and staying healthy is mental, not physical.
Thanks for your tip. It has helped me and I’m sure will help others, too!