Fitperf Fit Tips, Fitness Performance

One of the many tools available to enhance mental and physical performance is the use of Imagery. Imagery is a visualization technique that lets the individual see the performance they wish to improve. An individual should meditate for at least 10 minutes before the execution of this exercise; this meditation is to clear extraneous thoughts that tend to ruminate in our everyday cognitions. Sit, stand, or lay down comfortably with measured but relaxed breathing. Start with whatever pre-performance ritual may be a component of the activity. I will use golf as an example in this discussion. Experience the smell of the greens-Feel the wind on your face-See yourself approaching the tee-Clearing your mind as you adjust your feet and body into your stance-Your body is loose-You are eager for the challenge of the game the ball is looming large and clear-You are gripping your club, which has become an extension of your body- Feel the muscles of your back, hips, and obliques torquing pulling i...

There are times when one's training and their very way of life is drastically changed. These life changing events can be the result of things happening in our world and our reactions to them. There are also internal disruptions. Medical events can change our ability to train at previous levels. The athlete needs to deal with the psychological consequences that develop as an internal reaction to this training trauma. These are challenging times to get past and move forward from. The competitive athlete within us has always pushed ourselves to exceed previous levels of personal performance. We accept nothing but giving our very best," leaving nothing "on the table." Constantly striving to be better, faster, stronger. Whatever the game was, second place loses first. Within the last nine months, my life has been forever changed. Toward the end of last August, I went to my cardiologist to discuss the statin that I was presently taking. While at the cardiologist's, I ...

Goal setting is a critical strategy in changing your diet and physical activity behavior The rate of obesity is increasing. A substantial body of research links poor diet and physical activity habits to obesity and chronic diseases. Producing sustainable dietary and physical activity behavior change to influence this rate of obesity is an ongoing challenge. Research shows that the most effective behavior changes from nutrition education interventions take place when the interventions are behaviorally focused and theory-driven. The Social Cognitive Theory, well known and widely used for understanding and researching behavior change, specifies goal setting as a key strategy - Lee, Locke, and Latham define a goal as ‘‘that which one wants to accomplish; it concerns a valued, future end state.” Goal setting is a significant facilitator of behavior change. Setting specific goals provides a potential strategy for organizing nutrition and physical activity information and skills into pr...

Motivation is something that, at times, can be pretty elusive. Sometimes it can be challenging to get yourself to the gym, even if it is walking downstairs to your home gym. It's best to find intrinsic means to motivate. It is about finding things that are important to you to get you going. They shouldn't be goals that are societally based. They should be about goals that fulfill your inner needs, Telling yourself that you want to lose weight because you want to be more aesthetically pleasing may not be the proper approach. Tell yourself that you're losing weight because you wish to be more healthy and more vibrant. Go to the gym and work out because it makes you feel good and will help you function better. Choose better food choices because it increases your feelings of health. Having goals is essential. Having obtainable short-term goals is imperative for long-term success. If the goals we set are too difficult to achieve, we run the risk of failure indeed. Failure is c...