Brain Power & Exercise

What really drives your workout routines? Give credit to your brain. Recent studies make it clear that the body connects with the mind in ways experts are just beginning to grasp.

What’s more, research builds a strong case for positive self-talk. In one study, for example, participants who had a positive inner dialog  — upbeat self-talk —  outperformed others in a cycling test and even viewed the workout as easier, relative to those who did not engage in positive self-talk.

Researchers report that no matter which positive-phrase the volunteers chose, they stayed motivated longer than the people who didn’t choose any form of positive self talk. Bottom line: Study results suggest it doesn’t matter exactly what type of encouragement you offer yourself, as long as you engage in some kind of self-motivation.

That study  adds to a growing body of research on the “psycho-biological model” of exercise-related fatigue, or the idea that the mind and the body each have a role in determining how much exercise we can tolerate before we feel wiped out. So how do you open the conversation lines for positive self-talk — especially if you are not used to that kind of mental cheerleading? Here are a few tips:

• Start by appreciating your fitness efforts.
• Select a few inspiring phrases or mantras, such as: “Feeling good” or “Push through this.”
• Repeat the motivating phrases throughout your workout.

With that mental routine, you will feel the difference and achieve  better results. Researchers agree it is important to stay mentally positive in order to reach your workout goals. So remember:  Don’t let negative thoughts hold you back; encourage and motivate yourself to reach greater heights.

Georgelena Saborio is an exercise physiologist and supervisor for the Employee Fitness Department at Baptist Health South Florida, a position she has held for 10 years.  Ms. Saborio received her bachelor’s degree in Exercise Physiology and is a Certified Exercise Physiologist with the American College of Sports Medicine.  At Baptist Health, she provides and oversees all fitness events and the Employee Fitness centers.  She has served as a member of the Chamber South Wellness Committee for fours years, assisting and providing fitness programs and education to its members and the community.

Free Body Fat Composition Analysis

In an effort to promote wellness and prevention, free body fat composition analysis -– a quick and painless scan that measures lean and fat tissue as well as bone density –- is being offered at Baptist Medical Plazas in Miami- Dade and Broward Counties through June 30. For more information and to schedule an appointment for the 20-minute, noninvasive scan, click here. Same-day appointments are available. A doctor’s prescription is required and you must be over the age of 21.