Thursday, July 31, 2008

An interesting new study...

There's a new study that suggests the the way you think can lead you to a healthier lifestyle. It's called "Directed Thinking" and this is something I've always believed in so I was so excited to find research that it's been tested.

A group of 61 inactive college students were asked to think about ideas that fell into either "actions" or "reasons." Some of the students were asked to think and list reasons to increase cardiovascular performance and the other students were asked to list actions needed to do more cardio.

For eight weeks those that brought to mind the list of actions had an increase in their exercise routines whereas the group that thought of the reasons to workout didn't have an increase in their time spent exercising.

The mind has a greater impact on our body than we might think. I believe when you think of reasons to exercise we all probably think to be healthy, to lose weight, to feel good. These are all great things, but sometimes this can feel overwhelming especially if you are out of shape. By thinking of the actions such as join a gym, get a workout buddy, buy a new workout video, etc. These things motivate you to action. They get you moving. Instead of just thinking about the goal you break it down into what you can do.

Take home message: Don't underestimate the power of the mind. If you tell yourself over and over again working out is hard, you don't have time, you can't do it...it's very likely you're not going to. Use that brain power to your advantage and think of some ways to take action on your fitness goals and get moving!

4 comments:

CtephFrid said...

I so agree! The night before I go to the gym, I imagine myself getting up and going.I just "think" that I need to do it; and I am more likely to actually go to the gym the next day vs. the times I don't even think about it!

Allison said...

oh good. i love studies like that. i think it's so true. our minds are very powerful!! i like the comment above. i think that's a great way to take power of the mind and keep up with goals.

Anonymous said...

Kim, I have a question: Are there any studies that have been done on people who do not exercise get more hungry than those who do? I know it is true for myself. I feel better, I'm more positive, and I'm less hungry when I'm doing my regular workouts.

Kimbo said...

I'm not for sure...that's a great question. I will have to look into it.