WHAT IS YOUR INTENTION?
When you get up in the morning and get ready for a workout what are you thinking about? Do you mindlessly put on your workout gear, brush your teeth and get out the door? Do you think about the workout ahead? Do you have an INTENTION?
Some of you may understand how this term is used when practicing yoga. Many forms of yoga give you an intention before you start your practice and your poses. Sometimes it takes the form of a story with an outcome that makes you think of your intention for that particular practice. It is often inspiring to concentrate on that intention as you work through each move and pose.
The same thing can be applied to bootcamp or any workout routine. If you think in advance, “What is my intention today?” you may find that it gets you through the exercise not only with purpose, but with inspiration and with vigor. For example, sometimes I use an intention such as, “I am fearless. I can conquer my fears.” This will get me through some of the toughest parts of the workout and make me competitive within myself to be the best I can be. Another one I use often is, “Be Present and Full.” This one is important because it forces me to focus more clearly on each move I do in my workout. You will always get better results if you focus on each movement and each muscle that you are working on.
Here are some other intentions that you may want to use the next time you are at bootcamp or working out on your own:
-I AM OPEN TO NEW CHALLENGES
-I WANT TO LOVE MY BODY
-I WILL FIND JOY IN EVERYTHING I DO
-I WILL HEAL MYSELF
Intentions can be carried with you well beyond the workout. But make sure to set the intention before you begin the workout. Take a moment before you begin whether it is in the car on the way to workout or while you are brushing your teeth in the morning. Take that moment to set your intent and bring it with you to the workout. Carry it with you throughout the day. You will find that your mind will be clearer, your workout more effective and your day more positive. You can make dreams a reality through intention. It takes focus but it is all possible. Set your intent for your next workout and see how you feel afterwards. Namaste.
-Liz Samuel
