Thinking of starting a new sport, joining the gym or a martial art in 2012?

 

Thinking of joining the Gym, taking up a new sport or martial art this year? I’ve worked at martial arts and fitness centres for years as a performance coach and have helped many sports professionals breakthrough to world best achievements and there are a few things that everyone starting off needs to know.

 

Here are my top 10 tips

 

1. Commitment

 

Many start off ‘half arsed’ thinking that they will give it a go and see what happens, or they have a commitment that lasts about a week or so and ends up like all the diet programs and ‘Dem-Tel’ products stowed under the bed. Commitment is something in your head and so either don’t kid yourself and walk away for now or get really committed and prepared to go through what it takes to succeed. Many programs are geared towards reaching success if you actually follow what they say to do. You need to do the proper research about what is best for you and then make the commitment!

 

2. Change needs to happen slowly

 

Many people start off with gusto and want to work out 4 or 5 times a week then wonder why they quit soon after. Contain the initial enthusiasm and watch it last a lot longer. The greatest sabotages occur when people are not able to handle the high energy feelings that soon occur from joining. Remember – change, wealth and wisdom needs to be integrated slowly and progressively.

 

3. Self Doubt

 

It will happen every time you start something new, we all get it but champions learn how to anchor off it and use it for a guide post of caution insuring safety and life balance rather than succumbing to the fear of it.

 

4. The Quit program

 

When doubt sets in, your mind will create and present many opportunities for you to quit. Get your mind set on a period of time that you will commit to giving it a fair go before you even consider changing your mind. Use this exercise as a metaphor of life and how you can follow through with what you start off.

 

5. The Tired program

 

The amount of justifications and excuses people make because of the tired program. You need to be able to follow through whether you are tired or not and keep a watch on how the light in your mind switches on as you break through into the abundance of energy that reaching a level of fitness brings you.

 

6. Stories

 

Seeds of doubt turn into a forest of stories, just ask your personal trainer how many stories they have heard about why people can’t get to training, they are all real and valid I’m sure but trust me, we have heard them a million times before and champions learn how to put them aside and make it to training regardless.

 

7. Pain

 

Watch out for pain, going to extremes and hurting yourself as sabotage; at first your sub-conscious may trigger to past injuries, memories and pains and try to re-live them as sabotage. Break through this stage and enlist the assistance of some body balancing therapy during the first few weeks that will act as a prevantative measure.

 

8. Sense of belonging

 

Social issues and the feeling that you don’t fit in is a big issue so try to relax and project an attitude that people will like you over time. You need to find the balance – don’t try too hard to fit in too much and don’t keep too much in your shell. Just be okay with feeling a tad awkward in the initial stages but also know that this feeling will only last a few days, weeks or sessions.

 

9. Be okay being crap

 

I’ve been a black belt in martial arts for many years and to all of the black belts, there is nothing worse than a white belt trying to be a black belt in the first month. The longer they stay humble and respectful the quicker they learn and the more we enjoy teaching them. The problem with the ego is that many people are really good at some areas of life and so find it hard to start something where they are not good at it. Embrace getting outside of your comfort zone and love being a novice because this stage does not last long. The greatest champions I have helped are all humble, respectful and always open to help.

 

10. Understand the Purpose

 

It is vital for sustaining energy to understand the emotional purpose behind your intentions. A professional boxer reached extraordinary heights once he had the realisation that to him, boxing was about being fearless. Many people have found strength as the core to losing weight and this has given them the strength they need in many other areas of their life. To understand what your energy and emotional core is, just think of what you will get emotionally from the positive end outcome. How will you feel being fit and healthy? It’s strength? Protection? Support? Energy? Control? Self motivated? Successful?

 

Hope this helps

www.peteroneill.com.au






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