Filed under: Fitness I don’t care if you’re a runner, into bikram yoga or if you cycle 50 miles every morning. Fitness demands mental fortitude to keep going on those ‘off’ days. How do you keep pumping when you’re ready to give up? Here are my favorites from Runners Worlds 10 tips to tough it out , along with one of my own. Baby Steps — Run to that next landmark, walk one more mile, pick off a slower runner ahead of you or beat the gal on a sister treadmill. Break down your goals into smaller steps to eventually deliver the big picture. My husband and I held “one more :30 plank” just this morning — it works. Hypnotize Yourself — Focus on one single thing, doesn’t matter what, to help keep the pain away. Listen to your breathing, the birds, think about a body part that doesn’t hurt or

a time when you were in even worse pain (e.g., the epidural that didn’t take). The only situation I can’t hypnotize away is a fitness potty call, those require immediate relief. Gratitude First — Why are you whining about fitness in the first place? You should be thankful you have the opportunity to resistance train, take a leisurely jog in the neighborhood or a swim in the local pool. Plenty of people have serious disabilities, injuries or live in a fitness-unfriendly neighborhood with no affordable gym to join for miles. Remember The Endorphins — Whenever I’m feeling lazy, I recall that post-workout endorphin rush. Sweaty fitness always takes away my stress, tiredness, sore hamstrings and crankiness. That reminder gets me off the couch 75 percent of the time. How do you tough it out for fitness? Health | Health | Health | Health

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Tough It Out For Fitness