Benching, pressing, squatting, jumping, punching and curling — it’s easy to think staying fit in healthy is a predominantly physical game. Not so. Used correctly, your brain — despite being an organ — can be utilised in the same ways as your muscle groups: you just need to know how to make the most of it. Here, Third Space Islington Lead Trainer Teresa Schmitt and Mind and Body Trainer Ruben DeMonte walk you through their go-to methods of using your mindset for stronger, safer and more enjoyable training sessions.
Don’t Underestimate the Mental Benefits of Exercise
“I look at yoga as free therapy. You go with your thoughts and you work through it on the mental aspect,” explains Schmitt. “Physically, you get a sweat and you get to work out lots of things.” Similarly, Schmitt credits running for boosting her mental training game. “I like to run, it’s like meditation as well. You can run for 45 minutes and get anything off your back,” says Schmitt. “Wellness for me and exercising as a way of just getting out of my head.”
Everyone Has the Right to Train
We’ve all been there — that seemingly-scary group exercise class or the post-5pm rush in the weights room. For some, walking into a training space can bring about its own set of issues. Flip your mindset on this, however, and you could find yourself becoming inspired by those around you. “Before I was a member here, I was always afraid to go on to the weight floor and use the weights. But you see all these incredibly strong women here and it’s so inspirational,” says Schmitt. “I’m also just a happier person I need to work out if I don’t work out. I’m grumpy. So training is really special to me.”
Reframe Your Objectives
“It’s not about what you look like. It’s about how it makes you feel,” says Schmitt. “Maybe not today, maybe tomorrow; make small changes and things will happen.” Similarly, if you’re training for your physical health, make sure you’re recognising the mental benefits that come with it, too, says Schmitt. “People should train for their mental health, for their mental well being. I think training just makes you strong, in mind and body.”
Remember that Fitness is a Long Game
Even though some workouts, classes and sessions can be short, improving your health and fitness is a lifelong pursuit. “We live in a society that’s obviously results-driven,” says De Monte. “But, I recommend people to train because it’s part of being human and improving our physical and mental health. As much as we want results in life, we want to think in the long term.”
