I know that getting yourself to the gym or taking out that workout video that you purchased and actually doing it can be rather challenging.  Most people don’t feel like working out because they feel like they do all this work for nothing – they don’t see results.

Others feel it is boring and just don’t feel inspired to get their bodies moving… but once you actually do, how do you get the most out of your workout? How do you achieve your goals, get the body you want?

Visualize the body you want

Yesterday while teaching a Pilates Reformer Class I reminded my class again how important it is to visualize the muscles you are working and how to associate the movement and the desired results of that movement with a vivid image.

Let me explain:

Your body develops exactly how you move – in the way that you work it.  So if your movements are short and heavy – you are actually developing short and stocky looking muscles. But if you work with long, extended motion you are developing a body that appears long and lean.

So if you work with full range of motion and you visualize the muscle group you are targeting, then go ahead and associate that movement with a long and lean visual in your mind. That way you will extend your body even further.

For instance – let us say you are doing body weight squats, or maybe even weighted squats… if long lean muscles are what you want, imagine your body as and elastic band from the crown of your head to the tips of your toes, and every time you extend upwards you want to stretch this elastic band as long as possible.

See how the band becomes thinner as it stretches longer. Now notice how your move your body differently if you keep this image in mind while doing your squats. I guarantee you will be moving with longer and more extended motion in stead of just bending and stretching your legs.

And the more vivid the visual in your head, the more your body will move in that way and the more effective your results will be.

Do not underestimate the power of engaging your mind in simple visualizations while you work out. Not only will you experience much better results but you will now have a much more challenging and exciting workout!

When teaching my Hot Burning Body Workouts I also guide you through the exercises by making use of imagery so you can experience superior results!

To your strength and success

Vanessa Bader

P.S. Visualize the body you want while you work out, as well as go about your day. Visualize how the body you desire will walk, stand and sit. The way you move determines the body you will have – so use your mental tools along with all the physical tools I give you and you will be successful!