Visualization as a Fitness Strategy: Here’s How It Works
Can you push harder in the gym and get fitter using visualization? The answer is yes. You might be hearing “visualization” as a technique in fitness just now since visualization is often used for stress relief.
Yet athletes use it as a training tool to boost their performance — like running faster or lifting weights more effectively — and you can, too, as a dancer or professional cheerleader. Creating mental images or scenes of your workout session before or during the activity can set you up for a successful workout.
This article shows you tips to use visualization to maximize your fitness results.
Imagine your desired future self.
Picture your future self in detail. What will your body look like in X months’ time? Imagine where you are, what you’re doing, and what you’re wearing. Who’s around you? How are you feeling? This strategy is called outcome visualization in which you’re envisioning your desired endpoint.
Make use of positive affirmations.
Positive self-talk is one of the biggest contributors to fitness success. The things you tell yourself can increase your energy and performance so you can push through a long or challenging workout. While envisioning your future body, repeat positive affirmation statements quietly to change your thought patterns.
Here are some fitness affirmations you can use:
- My mind is focused and I’m ready to get in shape.
- I am becoming the best version of myself.
- Working out makes me happy and healthy.
- Every day I am burning fat and building muscle.
- I release toxins as I sweat.
- I know that hard work pays off!
Train with music.
Choosing the right playlist can get you moving, spark excitement, and allow you to focus on working towards your fitness goals. Your playlist should include a song you like the most and pair it with the exercise that excites you the most — for example, an upper body strength workout accompanied by an R&B/Hip-Hop song. You get the idea. It’s also helpful to select tracks that reflect the intensity of your workouts. Faster tracks motivate you to push harder.
Learn to overcome distractions.
Allowing yourself to get distracted by anything (phone notifications, other people at the gym, and random thoughts) can make you feel like you didn’t get a good workout at all.
First of all, make sure to block off time to workout and do nothing else. If possible, put your phone away or on airplane mode. Creating a ritual around your workout session, such as wearing gym clothing (even if you exercise at home) or brushing your hair back into a ponytail helps you connect better with your workout.
Picture yourself successfully completing your workout.
Last but not least, resolve to finish your workout. Imagine yourself completing the last set and feeling so accomplished afterward — and finally, be able to enjoy a protein-rich post-workout snack or meal to fuel your body.
Related: 10 Pre-Workout Snack Ideas for Optimal Fitness
Ready to embark on your visualization practice for fitness? Tap into the mind-body connection by following these five tips. Go after your goals!
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