During an intense workout, whether you are sprinting on a treadmill, powering through a core session, lifting weights, or pushing through any other exercise, your mind goes into overdrive. Thoughts race, sometimes positive, sometimes doubtful, and sometimes just downright funny. It is a whirlwind of internal chatter, and while it may seem chaotic, it is all part of the process. Let’s look at the journey of thoughts that can run through your head as you push yourself.
- “Okay, I’m ready. Let’s do this.”
- “Heck yeah, I love this exercise! This isn’t too bad.”
- “I love this song. This playlist is great.”
- “Yeah… now this is getting harder. Am I always this bad at push-ups?”
- “Wait, why are my arms shaking during this plank? I need to rest.”
- “I don’t know if I can finish this exercise. Just. Keep. Breathing.”
- “F***, not this one!”
- “TWO MINUTES LEFT!”
- “Breathe. Finish strong.”
- “Wow, I can’t believe I just did that. I’m impressed with myself.”
It is amazing how your thoughts can shift from feeling strong and confident to questioning your ability and back again in seconds. From the adrenaline-filled moments when you are feeling unstoppable to the quiet resolve you find when you push through the discomfort, every thought plays a part in the workout experience. It is the beauty of the mental game. Through the motivational, the random, the doubtful, and the occasionally explicit thoughts, we somehow always make it out on the other side feeling accomplished, strong, and better than before.
Here are the million thoughts you will have in your future workouts. No matter what, one thing is for sure—YOU CAN DO IT. Keep pushing. You are capable of more than you know.
