Are you in a loving relationship with your workout? Do you feel attracted to those sweaty sessions? Or are you yet to meet the one that makes you feel all tingly inside?
It might sound like a strange idea that we can feel this strongly about our workouts, maybe even stronger than for our ‘better’ halfs, but it does make sense! Our workout routines can require as much nurturing, patience and love as a relationship in order to make it work. It takes energy and time to get to a good place with your workout regime, but once you’re there it’ll feel fantastic! And also, who says exercise needs to be monogamous? ;)
Have a quick read about how working out can be just like a relationship! See if you’re clicking and feeling that spark.. Or will you end up questioning whether your fitness choices are right and you are still looking for 'the one'.
Are you in a Loving Relationship with your Workout?
1. You get excited about working out:
Just like the early flushes of a blossoming romance, the beginning of a new workout routine can bring you an equally tingly feeling inside. When we find a fitness workout that we feel passionate about, we’re left flying high after that first session. And we don’t forget that first encounter - those powerful emotions and chemicals released in our bodies can power us through to attend more and more sessions.
Just like after a successful first date, your adrenaline is pumping, your cheeks are rosy and endorphins are pinging. You can’t wait for your next workout session, just like you can’t wait to see your new Romeo again. But if you don’t have that buzz of butterflies in your belly, it might be time to look elsewhere...
2. You work hard to keep the spark!
Workouts, just like relationships, can get boring if you do the same things over and over again. You need to make an effort, you need to keep things exciting, you need to think outside the box! That's why it's so important to keep mixing up your exercise routine and adding in surprises to avoid your fitness levels and motivation stagnating.
Adding variety into your workout routine has been proven to increase motivation so don’t be monogamous to one exercise class! Plus, there's a whole host of scientific studies showing the psychological benefits of surprise: from bringing us pleasure to increasing our motivation to learn and improve. We really can keep motivated and stimulated by continuously surprising ourselves in our exercise routines!
Treat it like a relationship that’s starting to stale, but is worth saving… But don’t drag it out and force yourself to go to the same workout day-in, day-out when you're sick and tired of it. You’ll know in your gut when you’re done.
3. You get dressed up for your workouts:
Just like some new sexy underwear, cool workout gear can make us feel great about ourselves... and there could be a scientific reason why. Ever heard of "enclothed cognition"?
Nope, neither had we until today!
Enclothed Cognition is a psychological phenomenon that suggests the clothes someone wears can cause mental triggers that can positively affect their performance.
Studies have developed this basic principle and it appears that by dressing the part, we are more likely to demonstrate a certain behaviour i.e. if we wear activewear, we are more likely to workout and put it to good use. And also, when you’re feeling fly in gear that makes working out easier, you’ll feel the motivation to put it to good use.
So you know, it’s like when you wear sexy new underwear, you may be more inclined to… ahem… show it off?
4. You get obsessed with checking your phone:
Just like waiting for a text or call from your beloved, workouts can also make you form a new attachment to your phone. With so many workout and fitness apps available it can be easy to become absorbed with your phone!
If you’re constantly tapping away, investigating the different workout ideas and constantly checking stats, figures, times and records, it looks like you're infatuated with your workout.
And the great news about this obsession?
These kind of apps have actually shown to help you to exercise more. So while many may think you’re hurriedly sending heart-shaped emojis to your lover, you’re actually immersing yourself in your personal metrics to improve your performance. You know when you’re in love with your workout when you squeal with delight when notifications ping through your achievements!
Have you discovered whether you're with the one that works perfectly for you? Or should you start playing the field to find the right workout? If you're not content, don't be tied down to one exercise and treat your fitness a bit like speed dating - get some variety into your workout schedule to help you discover the one (or many) that you want.
Who knows, the one that will make you tingle may just be around the corner!
