In today's busy world time is of the essence, especially when it comes to your workouts. In order to build your best physique you have to gain strength not only physically, but also mentally. In order to zone in, this often means zoning distractions out. Enough chitchat. It's time to get focused!
1. Be Clear About Your Goal And Envision It!
When you walk into the gym you should have a clear picture of the goal you are trying to achieve. Always keep the bigger picture in mind, an upcoming contest, more defined legs, lose 10 pounds.
Be aware of the long-term goal, but set short-term goals for yourself each training session like the ability to bench press 5 more pounds than last week, run 2 minutes longer, burn 50 more calories, whatever it is, you must be prepared to do what you set out to conquer. By achieving the short-term goals week after week the ultimate goal becomes more obtainable. Get your mind ready to take on the challenge and don't let anything stop you. It's time to focus.
Click To Enlarge. When You Walk Into The Gym You Should Have A Clear Picture Of
The Goal You Are Trying To Achieve.
2. Time It Right
You know the saying "don't bring your problems from work home with you?" Well, don't bring them to the gym either. Worrying about events from the day can negatively impact your training session. Choose a time of day that is dedicated to your fitness goals and nothing else.
I make health and fitness a priority. I work on the principle of priorities first, therefore I like to workout first thing in the morning when my mind is clear and I can dedicate as much energy and focus to my workout as possible before any of the day's events even have a chance to interfere.
Discover your optimal training time by determining when you have the most energy and enthusiasm to work toward your goal. If there is never a time you feel like this about training then you may want to re-evaluate your motives.
3. Utilize The Playlist
Something comes over me when Eminem says, "Look, if you had one shot, or one opportunity to seize everything you ever wanted- one moment, would you capture it or just let it slip?"
My eyes glare straight ahead; my grip becomes tighter around the barbell. I want to yell out, "I'm going to capture it!" (Whoops, I hope no one is watching me ... they should be focusing on their workout anyways!) It's as if I'm suddenly reminded of why I'm training in the first place. It provides that extra kick to finish out the set strong.
If you're reading this article I'm guessing you train hard and have serious goals. Create your playlist to match your intensity. We're not doing yoga here; skip over anything other than a beat and lyrics that make you feel "in the zone." Focus on the positive vibrations that are being heard and keep your heart and muscles pumping to the beat.
Click To Enlarge. Create Your Playlist To Match Your Intensity.
4. Embrace The Movement
If you don't focus on your form then you're likely to be focusing on an injury in the near future as the risk skyrockets. Be aware of proper execution for each exercise before you start applying the intensity. Connect with the muscles performing the exercise and feel the muscles working throughout the movement.
By focusing on your technique you can eliminate distractions in the gym and turn your attention back to you and your training goals. Mirrors are in the gym for a reason. Use them to check your form, track your progress, and motivate you to work harder, not to scope out how much weight the person behind you is benching.
5. Move With Purpose
If you don't have a game plan when you walk into the gym you could be wasting a lot of time. You're leaving the door wide open for distraction. Have a program and workout log that catalogs your workouts, what machines you're using, what weight, tempo, rest periods, the works.
This will allow you to move deliberately about the gym; going from one exercise to the other with focus and purpose as if you're in a hot pursuit. There's no sense in sitting there looking around for what "feat" you will conquer next.
Click To Enlarge. Have A Program And Workout Log That Catalogs Your Workouts.
Conclusion
Training requires progressive overload. You don't know where you're going if you don't know where you've been. Have a systematic plan that all leads to your goal. If you're standing idly by the dumbbell rack watching ESPN updates and someone asks, "Do you need assistance with anything?" you know that you've lost your focus.