Before you start that quest to become a shirtless Brad Pitt in Fight Club, I need you to think about something.
Your mind is the master of your body.
I have heard the “lack of willpower” and “girl, I got lazy” excuses… let’s say… more than a few times. However, that’s the condition. What is the cause? The cause is that we haven’t developed a clear vision, concept and belief in our new body.
Instead, we mindlessly curl, squat and run into someone’s vision for our body. We develop no personal connection to the end goal. Also, many of us unfortunately run around with warped negative perceptions of our bodies and abilities. Then when times get tough, we fold like a cheap deck of cards. It’s a new year and we need a new truth.
In my experience, you must connect the mind to the body to achieve significant and long-lasting results. It’s also my experience that all the people I’ve met with truly bangin’ bodies having either knowingly or unknowingly connected their minds to their bodies.
Here are two of many powerful ways to do that: First, grab a paper and pen (no computer or phone) and write out every detail of your ideal body: What does it look like? What does it feel like? What it is like to move in this body? What do other people think and say about this body? Write specifically about each body part. There are absolutely no limitations here. Set aside any negative beliefs you have about yourself or your abilities. Go for it. Play make-believe.
Next write affirmations and claim your new body. Such as: “I will be lean and fit” and “I will have a bigger chest” or “I will have an ass of death.” You get the idea. (Bonus: eliminate “will” and just claim the entire thing now. After all, there is no time but the present.)
Now, here is the easiest part. I want you to read the description of your body and speak the affirmations daily. When you do this you are connecting your mind to your body and visualizing the results that you want to achieve. If you do this consistently over time, your workouts will improve and your mission will become engrained in your mind and body. You will begin to believe in your abilities and the results will follow.
Pretty soon your “make-believing” will turn into pure belief in yourself and your resolution will become part of you DNA. It is the ancient art of visualization and manifestation broken down for fitness.
It worked for me. The most powerful physical transformation I ever created for myself started from my mind. Happy New Years.
The Phoenix Effect, a metabolic bootcamp that gets you in shape fast, is offered exclusively at Mansion Fitness, 7914 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood.
McShane
Quick question, do I really want an “ass of death”?
Also, beer and tacos…
Desert Boy
I’m so glad to see tattoos waning in popularity.
QJ201
Use the “Something About Mary” technique. Masturbate before the gym so you can stay focused on what you are there do.
Kieran
Too much THINKING and intellectualizing. The whole point of exercise is to work out muscles other than your brain and give the mind a rest. Stop thinking and Just Do It.
PLAYS WELL WITH OTHERS
Here are 2 pretty darn easy tips I have found for losing weight and staying in shape……..
1- Most guys live fairly close to the gym they work at. Instead of driving there go to WalMart and purchase a fully assembled bike for $89.00 and pedal to the gym. I call it the “invisible cardio workout” because on the round trip most of ya are going to get at least a 30 minute decent cardio workout and not even realize it……
2- A great quick, easy, and even cheap meal is take 3/4 potatoes. Cut them up in2 small sections. Throw them in the microwavy for 10-12 minutes. Remove and cover with salsa. You have a low calorie pretty darn tasty meal that really fills you up……..
@QJ201: I check out the scenery at the gym and then find one to do that to after the workout :p
trelin
I’m actually really enjoying these fitness updates. I’ve tried for over six years to really obtain the body that I’ve wanted. I’m slim but I can never actually seem to gain muscle tone. My running doesn’t really help much either. But these updates have really helped me zone in on what I’m at the gym to do. Yes, the eye-candy helps, but sometimes it distracts me. Get in, get done, enjoy after.
PLAYS WELL WITH OTHERS
@trelin:
Try using Whey Protein. Ya can look up all the specifics online, but it definatley helps build muscle tone. I have been working out for over ten years, and am pretty built. I still noticed a big difference after I started using it. It is important to get in2 your system as soon as you finish your workout. I keep a bottle in my gym bag filled with ice and drink right after working out. And the chocolate flavors actually taste pretty good, so it is like a treat after working out.
You can get it at vitamin stores, Target is cheapest. Like $20.00 for a months supply and is all natural. Doesn’t flock your skin up like ‘roids or other synthitic crap or make your nuts look like actual nuts :p
KimK
When it comes to fitness, working out and eating healthy no one inspires me more then Seth. He says it like it is and will set your mind to goals you never thought you would be able to achieve. If you get a chance to work out with him – DO IT! Either in personal training or in his Bootcamp class. You will feel and see the change – in mind, body and soul!
JPH
I think affirmations are an important part of success in ANY part of life, including fitness. I love this article. You don’t often hear trainers at large speak about the mind/body connection. More should. Another great article by Seth Browning. Keep them coming, Queerty!