MOTIVATION - Become Your Inner Athlete

 

 MOTIVATION - Become Your Inner Athlete

   By Mathew J Pitzer
According to the United States Sports Academy, less than 1% of all high school athletes will "go pro." What separates these athletes from the other 99% that don't make it? Is it genetics? Is it talent? While I am sure that those two factors form an important role, I strongly believe that the single largest factor contributing to the success of that 1% is MOTIVATION!

Motivation not only separates the Joe's from the pros, it also separates the seasoned couch potatoes from the 60+ year old fitness super stars that you hope to be when your hair starts to turn gray. Given that all you need is a spark of motivation, are you going to do something about your situation to improve it, or are you going to let excuses about your past and present ruin your future? Maybe this article can help point you toward a retired life filled with mud runs or marathons, and if you don't think you will be interested in getting muddy or running 26 miles at the age of 60, perhaps you can adopt a better lifestyle filled with exercise and healthy eating habits.

In order to achieve a fitter stronger you, you are going to need to train outside of your comfort zone. Don't just stop because you are fatigued. Push through the pain and fatigue. It will only make you stronger! If you stay below your lactate threshold, where it's comfortable, then the fitness levels you hunger for will remain just out of reach. Since fatigue has both a physiological and psychological components. In order to train most effectively (especially interval training), you must train above the lactate threshold. You will be breathless, uncomfortable, and mentally fatigued, but you must dig deep and let your physiological motivation overcome your psychological fatigue!

The willingness of an elite athlete to push themselves at a more intense level than the average person is partly what makes them successful. My guess is that you are not an elite athlete, but it never hurts to push yourself past self-imposed boundaries. Your boundaries are going to be both emotional and physical. Having a fit, healthy body is only going to make it easier for you to overcome your boundaries. I am not saying that you need to work as hard as the 1%. Just aim to become fitter and stronger. Aim to become a better version of yourself and not someone else. Aim to inspire people with your level of commitment. Their inspiration will only add fuel to your fire!

If you find it difficult finding your inner athlete, I suggest hiring a personal trainer. A great trainer will help you push past your self-imposed boundaries, and be there for you through both the physiological and psychological components of developing a healthy lifestyle!

For more articles by this author, please visit: http://personaltrainingmadison.com/