Head Games Part Deux

Let's continue our discussion on the psychology of training and trading. This is a topic we will continually return to because it is that important. From championship athletes and master traders to titans of all business, these souls tend to attribute their success to having a positive attitude and clear mental focus.


Acheiving your goals in the gym, which is my primary concern, starts with abolishing, or at least training without the negative assumptions you have about yourself and the fixed ideas of what you think or have been told are possible. When you commit your attention to a clear vision or goal you will invariably begin to act in accordance with the attainment of that goal. You live in the moment. Believe me, when you are concentrating on benching 10 extra pounds or running that extra mile, focusing on notions of past failures or what "can't" be done is a sure recipe for failure.


Each new success in your fitness journey will breed more success if you let yourself feed off of this momentum. Once you let go of what others tell you or what you have fixed in your mind as possible, attaining the next fitness goal becomes almost effortless. It's kind of like compound interest. At first when you start saving money it looks like you'll never amass that first $1000. After you build a few hundred bucks, that money begins to pile faster and faster. You're just focusing on earning that next few dollars, not on the "impossible" amount you want to save. In no time you're there! You are in the moment.


This way of training will hurt at first, both figuratively and literally. If you habitually lift one amount of weight or run a certain length of time or do one particular workout, you become comfortable. You've defined yourself by old parameters. Jumping into a boxing ring for the first time, I experienced fear of the unknown. Would I be able to make it? Will I look like a fool? Will I lose my lunch? Yes to the first two. No to the latter!


Ultimately it boils down not so much to changing yourself but the manner in which ou relate to each challenge. Another mile on your bike, another 30 seconds hitting the bag, another 3 reps, whatever. Just concentrate on each specific training task as one project and take the steps to get there. Get over yourself and you'll forget any limitations you or society may have imposed on you in the first place.


Speaking of boxing. If you're looking for a great combination of strength training and cardio all in one workout, boxing is perhaps the best. Plus it is the consummate challenge. Floyd Mayweather looks (and talks!) like that for a reason.


I suggest you take a class at your gym. Most will have a certified personal trainer that can safely and effectively put you through a good, basic routine that will shed fat, improve focus, strength and confidence. For now, here are some great basics to get ready. Included is a good link to boxing equipment and other tips on the sport.

www.my-workouts.com, SportsWorkout.com/Boxing_Training


Jump rope: 4 sets at 1 minute a piece. Great for cardio and agility.


Crunches: 4 sets x 20 reps. I use the swiss ball for these making sure not to forget the obliques (the sides, where your lovehandles are!)


Pushups: 4 set x 20 reps. Awesome for shoulders, chest and abs.


Walking lunges: 3sets. Take two dumbells (25 lbs or less) and do walking lunges 20 feet, turn, 20 feet, rest.


Treadmill: 25 minutes alternating speeds; 50%, 75%, 90%, 75%, 50%.


Till next time. Keep your eye on what's in front of you, especially if it's wearing gloves that say Everlast!