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No matter where on your fitness journey you are, the influence of self-talk is greatly influential.
Self-talk can go from enhancing your enjoyment and progress, nurturing resilience, helping you to navigate challenges and setbacks with grace, to being the demise of your experience if negative self-talk takes hold.
Self-Talk, what is it?
As a hugely influential and human feature, there’s no doubt many, if not all of us, have experienced moments of self-talk throughout different occasions in our lives.
Self-talk refers to the internal dialogue we have with ourselves. Everyone’s self-talk is different, but in general it is a dialogue that we have with ourselves that’s our own narration of the world around us and the situations we’re in, in the moment we’re in them. Self-talk can be positive, encouraging, and supportive, or it can be critical, discouraging, and self-defeating.
In the world of fitness, positive self-talk can boost confidence, enhance performance, and foster a sense of belonging within the community. Conversely, negative self-talk can lead to self-doubt, anxiety, and even burnout. It’s not uncommon for us all to grapple with feelings of inadequacy, especially in a environment where comparisons can be tempting. That’s where the importance of cultivating a positive mindset comes in.
The impact of creating positive self-talk for your fitness journey
Boosting motivation: Positive self-talk can be a powerful motivator. When you remind yourself of your strengths and capabilities, you’re more likely to push through challenging workouts.
Enhancing performance: Studies show that athletes (which we all are) who engage in positive self-talk perform better. This holds true for all fitness levels. By focusing on your abilities rather than your limitations, you can improve your overall performance in classes, whether you’re lifting weights on the gym floor, making moves in Shapes, or powering through a GRIT workout.
Building resilience: Every fitness journey has ups and downs. Positive self-talk helps build resilience, allowing you to bounce back from setbacks. Instead of viewing challenges as failures, you can reframe them as opportunities for growth and remind yourself that progress isn’t linear and that each step, no matter how small, contributes to your overall journey.
Creating a supportive community: The community aspect of our clubs can amplify the benefits of positive self-talk. Being surrounded by like-minded individuals who share encouragement and support fosters a culture of positivity. When members uplift each other, it reinforces a collective mindset that emphasises growth and achievement over competition.
Fostering self-acceptance: Embracing positive self-talk encourages self-acceptance. Fitness is about more than just aesthetics; it’s about feeling strong, healthy, and confident. Acknowledging your unique journey, celebrating your progress, and appreciating your body for what it can do fosters a healthier relationship with yourself.
Creating positive self-talk
With the power of positive self-talk in mind, these are our top tips for fostering your own positive self-talk.
Surround Yourself with Positivity: Engage with your fellow members and instructors at our clubs, who uplift and encourage you. Share your experiences and celebrate victories together.
Challenge Negative Thoughts: When negative self-talk creeps in, challenge it. Ask yourself if you would speak to a friend that way. If not, reframe your thoughts into something more positive and constructive.
Reflect on Your Progress: Take time to reflect on how far you’ve come. Perfect doesn’t make progress and the wave of your journey can sometimes be hard to see when you’re riding it. Take a moment to acknowledge yourself!
The power of positive self-talk is a vital component of the fitness experience at Les Mills. We’re the voice that tells you it’s okay to stumble, that every mistake is progress in disguise. The voice that reminds you to raise the bar, literally or figuratively, because growth comes from trying.
Whether you’re just starting or have been training for years, never forget the power of the way you speak to yourself and the profound impact it can have on your progress and overall enjoyment. Together, let’s replace criticism with encouragement and celebrate the strength within each of us.