I was in the middle of my daily workout routine and couldn’t help notice how some people really struggle to maintain their focus during their workout. It seems that new members and people who are just getting into a fitness program seem to struggle more than the “Regulars” – the focused ones who are familiar with the gym, their program and their goals.
This “newness” can be stressful. We’re not sure about a bunch of things when we first join a gym and this can be overwhelming:
- the gym layout;
- the fitness centre culture;
- the etiquette for sharing equipment and space;
- the exercise techniques;
- our fashionable exercise attire;
- privacy; safety;
- the security that our belongings are stored well in a locker room; etc.
In this “newness” we are susceptible to all kinds of distractions: The TV, a phone call, a text message, a magazine article, a chat with other athletes. Anything that will excuse us from forging onwards towards a better expression of health and wellbeing.
We all know that to meet our fitness goals we will need to overcome these distractions and focus on our work. Yet this pattern is so common – a typical resistance to change. It is the reason we often do not do the things we know we should.
So I asked myself: What can I learn from this observation?
Here’s a tip that has helped many others:
As quickly as possible become acquainted with the physical space you are in. Take a moment to focus on one spot in the gym. Gradually relax your eyes. Next, adopt a peripheral view of the whole room. See everything and yet nothing in particular. Allow yourself to feel relaxed and tell yourself you are here to do a job.
As always, develop a healthy sense of self. From this, know that you are whole and safe in this new space, the gym. Invite a feeling of confidence and courage.
Create a focused sense of your goal: health, vitality, strength, flexibility, endurance, speed, agility.
“You become what you think about” – Earl Nightingale
Begin your workout.