The Significance of Your Exercise Environments
In 2013, a study found that working out in nature can have a significantly positive impact on your workout satisfaction, as well as exercise motivation. It goes on further stating the importance of positive exercise environment on your workout quality and achieving your fitness goals.
Your surroundings can have a significant impact on the production of happy hormones during your workout. Just like when you are on vacation, your surroundings will have the chance to impact your experience and overall mood. Positive environments, such as being surrounded by good company (friends, family, pets), your favorite music and smells, as well as your mental environment can make a significant difference in impacting the speed you can achieve your fitness goals.
Quote of the Week
1. Music
Do you have a favorite playlist? You can easily prepare yourself mentally by listening to it or get it ready for during your workout. I suggest that you have 3 playlists ready (upbeat, chill, favorites), depending on your mood. No matter what music is your favorite, it can significantly impact your workout quality. In a meta-review conducted by Terry et al. (2020), “… it can enhance enjoyment, improve physical performance, reduce perceived exertion, and benefit physiological efficiency.” [1]
Try to listen to your favourite song right before the workout or during the most difficult exercise!
2. Surround Yourself with a Workout Buddy
Whether it is your friends, family, or other people in the gym (e.g. within the facility, in fitness classes). Try and surround yourself with people you enjoy being around to make your workout more satisfying. You will feel a greater sense of accountability, and being surrounded by people you like secretes happy hormones [2]. Even being surrounded by your beloved pets can positively impact your workout enjoyment and motivation.
3. Find Your Happy Spot
Have you ever tried a Ten-Minute Meditation? If so, you may have noticed that when you slow down and step out of “autopilot mode”, you are able to better absorb every little detail of the task at hand. Slowing down your mind can help you reconnect with life in the moment, calm you down, and prepare you for great challenges ahead.
Mindfulness meditations can help you find your “Happy Spot” – a memory, situation or mental location that makes you feel happy and at peace. Never given it a try? Have a look at the 1-Minute Video below and give it a chance.
*Disclaimer*
I suggest that you speak to your doctor before starting any high intensity program. If you are worried that a high-intensity program may cause a flare up or worsen a current physical injury, speak to your physical therapist before starting an exercise program.
I want to be transparent with you so I am disclosing that there may be some affiliate links within my newsletters. Given this information, you can assume that I will receive a small commission from any links included. That being said, I truly only promote products or services that I believe deliver great value to you and support you in your journey of becoming a happier version of yourself through exercise!