A few days ago, a timely ‘gym rut’ story popped up.
(As opposed to a gym rat story... )
Apparently, this 40-something-year-old used to lift weights, play soccer and even box. But over the last 12 months he slammed into a brick wall motivationally. Each time he looks in the bathroom mirror he makes a promise to himself that he’s going get back to the gym but he doesn’t. And it’s slowly been eating at him inside. In the past, he would bound out of these ruts with ease but now he can’t seem to find a way out.
What should he do?
Here are a few thoughts:
Ruts happen to us all and they can be made worse by piling on the expectation, I shouldn’t be in a rut. The truth is:
You are in a rut.
And sometimes being okay with that alone can help relieve some of the crushing pressure that keeps us stuck. Also, the motivation puzzle is not just about adding something but finding the ‘log jam’.
Meaning: Often people tackle motivation by assuming they don’t have any and that they need to be filled up with it. If motivation was a tank of gas, they assume they are on empty and simply need to refill to go forward.
But this is a limiting metaphor.
Motivation is more like a raging river that flows naturally (especially as we gain competence in something) - unless we block it or obstruct it.
And we can block it with a number of things, here’s a short list:
9 Motivation 'Log Jams'
Lack of specific goals
Lack of a compelling vision (goals are one piece of this)
Lack of plan (going through the motions drains our energy)
Lack of competence (this paralysis by analysis can be equally as draining)
Constant fatigue or soreness (this can be a sign of too high of intensity or too much volume)
Negativity (saying is believing)
Lack of progress (or perceived progress)
Physical pain (not wanting to make an existing pain or injury worse)
Stacking expectations (such as workouts should be easier for me… I should be stronger… I should be in better shape rather than accepting where you’re at)
Me thinks if this guy went through this checklist, that one or more of these ‘log jams’ would be getting in the way. And if he knocked it over like a stubborn beaver dam, a whole new level of energy, enthusiasm and life would come back to his health and fitness.
He may feel the same vitality, stamina and strength he did in years past. Or he might discover a new experience and relationship with fitness altogether.
Who knows?
But don’t underestimate what a focused strike on each of these factors can do for getting over a gym rut… plateau… and feeling like you’re ‘back in the game’ again.
Kelan Ern Fitness Coach
P.S.For more ways to attack each one of these and transform your health and fitness, check out a free issue ofMind-Body Breakthroughs. Each monthly issue features one of the fittest people on the planet and their tips, strategies and mindsets for helping you breakthrough to the next level.