training Psychology
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The most important component in any physical training programme is motivation. Without the correct motivation, arduous exercise soon becomes a chore that the individual finds ways of avoiding, and there is always a reason not to train. There is a simple methodology that successful athletes who strive for improvement tend to employ and that is “GET THE WORK DONE” There is absolutely no substitute for doing the work! Motivation comes in many forms, and changes over time. A young footballer for example who loves to play may spend 10 or more hours per week playing. This will keep him match fit, with very little if any ancillary training. However, as he gets older the pressures and pleasures of modern life start to take effect, and what was once easy and routine gradually becomes ever more difficult. The Human body, as it stands in its present form and function, has not changed in 50,000 years, it is essentially an ancient system trying to cope in a modern world. Problems of obesity, heart disease, type 2 diabetes and so on are extremely rare in developing countries and the third world. These conditions used to be almost exclusively the preserve of the rich upper classes. So what has changed? Well, in a nut shell, western civilised society with its labour saving devices, and a population that fundamentally shifts its eating habits from simple food with poor nutritional value, to foods high in fat and sugar. There are masses of information from dozens of different sources that seem to be in constant conflict as to what is good and healthy and what will harm us. So how do we decide what is relevant, what works and what doesn’t? Common sense! I have been training and teaching for 25 years and in that time there are certain truths that come up again and again. First of these would be that any thing we do to excess will have a negative effect: even exercise! Second is to understand that cause and effect apply to our physical condition. Our bodies, male or female young or old, do not know or care where they are, they simply react to external stimuli. Sedentary behaviour and too many calories over an extended period will result in a body that becomes weak and fat. Human nature is lazy, if there is an easy way, we’ll find it. Most innovation has been driven by making our lives easier so that time can be spent doing things we enjoy rather than chores. Money means we can pay others to do what we don’t want to. “I’ll ride so I don’t have to walk”; “I’ll use a machine instead labouring” etc. As soon as choice is removed from an individual change takes place and the individual has done nothing. Remove a persons food choices and restrict their calorie intake and their body will start to metabolise stored fat in order to survive. Add physical exercise to the equation and this process will speed up dramatically, the body switches from storing fat to producing muscle. Muscle, by definition, requires oxygen and nutrients. The more muscular the frame, the more calories burned coupled with improved respiratory system response and an increase in bone density. Alternatively referred to as fitness As a general rule; personal pride coupled with an understanding of how our bodies feel, look and perform should (in theory) be enough for us to moderate our behaviour in order to stay fit. So WHY don’t we? Because human nature IS lazy and as part of that we can choose to deny that we need to exercise, or eat less and with enough denial it’s possible to completely remove all personal responsibility. So each person is responsible for the body they inhabit, once responsibility has been accepted change may occur. In order to make permanent changes we need to employ discipline. Self discipline can be viewed as hardship or a positive choice to facilitate a desired result. In my experience it makes no difference how you view your choices providing the work gets done. Think like an athlete - eat like an athlete – train like an athlete – and in all probability you will be an athlete. This methodology applies until the lid is nailed down. It would be a mistake to assume that training for six months or a year or three years will achieve permanent results. Don’t allow yourself to think that you’ll get up one morning and your body will have reached a pinnacle of perfection that maintains itself. With training and body conditioning, as with most things that are worth having, results are hard won and have to be regularly maintained. USE IT or LOSE IT
H. Meckiffe (P.T.I.) |