Exercise is critical to lose weight, stay flexible, maintain energy, and be healthy. But the desire to exercise starts on the inside, and so does the commitment to keep going when your knees ache, it's cold and rainy outside, or life just demands attention 24/7. Top athletes motivate themselves from the inside to keep going and improving by using therapeutic or guided imagery tools.  They imagine themselves running that extra mile, getting the ball in the basket or golf ball in the hole, which causes their muscles to react as if it's really happening.

Subconcious Minds and Our Bodies

Since our subconscious minds run our bodies automatically, using it productively to stay committed to making healthy food choices and exercising on a regular basis is a no-brainer, so to speak.  All it takes is a few minutes of quiet time where you can close your eyes and imagine looking, feeling, and being at your best weight and optimal health.   

Mirror Imagery

Try this easy imagery exercise to get started: close your eyes, take 3 deep breaths, and feel the air fueling your body from the inside flow down from the top of your head to the tips of your toes.  Let this breath of life light you up on the inside; let it energize, focus, and calm you, too, all at the same time. Then imagine a beautiful full-length mirror is in front of you. With your outer eyes closed, use your inner eyes to see the person in the mirror, the healthy, fit, and happy person you are in the process of becoming with every breath you take, every glass of water you drink, every healthy food choice you make, every mile or minute you exercise.  That person is already living inside you, no matter what your "outside" looks like today.

Thank that healthy, happy, energized you for helping you do whatever it takes to move forward easily and effortlessly toward your fitness and health goals with ease and joy. Then, imagine a cord of light extending from your heart to the heart of your Inner You in the mirror. The cord slides right through the glass as if the glass were water and connects you to your Inner You in the mirror. Imagine that your Inner You can talk to you now and let him/her suggest one thing you can do this week that can help you stay committed to your healthy food and exercise goals.  All you need is one baby step to keep moving forward on the path of health, fitness, and energy. Then thank your Inner You for guiding you from the inside out. Know that you can return to this inner space whenever you need more guidance, connection, and motivation to stay on your path to health and fitness.  

Take 3 deep breaths now as you feel yourself back in your body, energized, healthy, and motivated from the inside out. Enjoy!