Motivational Techniques For Bodybuilding

Whenever you ask someone why they don't go to the gym, the response you'll most likely get is "I don't have time." So sad, but true.

In this crazy and fast paced world, we would rather take a pill and get the body of our dreams, than to spend hours in the gym each week. Let alone the lifestyle discipline it takes to get the body you want. It's not hard to see why most people are WAY out of shape.

But for those of us who've made the DECISION (a firm decision, not a choice), it takes a little extra fire to get us going and keep us going. They say motivation gets you going, habit keeps you going, and a partner makes you go when you want to quit.

So what I'm going to give you in this article are some quick and easy tips to get you motivated and keep you motivated right away.

So here are three quick and easy motivational tips.

1. Cut out a picture of your goal body from a magazine

• This is a great tool because it gives you a visual target
• Look at it every time before you go to the gym
• Choose your body type (lean, athletic, contest bodybuilder, etc.)
• It embeds it into your subconscious so you don't have to think about it

Many people try to play down the effectiveness of visual images, but any serious lifter has done this. So it works, trust me! Another great motivational technique is...

2. Listen to music while you lift

• No surprise here, a lot of people do it
• It cuts down on distractions - once distracted, it takes us several minutes to get back on task, even after the distraction is gone
• Staying focused uses your brain more effectively in your workout so you get the most of it

I personally listen to motivational audio books because I'm an educational freak. You can take this track or your favorite upbeat artist works well. Rap or rock are good choices if you're a fan. Shy away from calming music like jazz (my fav) or classical.

3. Take a partner who's SERIOUS about lifting

• I see most people mess up here by bringing a chat buddy - bring someone that is as motivated or more motivated than you
• They won't let you quit when you're ready to pack and there's still work to be done
• They'll keep you accountable for your results so you're more likely want to work
• Get someone that you don't want to embarrass yourself in front of or let down - accountability
• Find someone about the same strength so you dont have to keep re-racking the weights - waste of time

A partner is a great motivational technique for bodybuilders because they're like your own personal coach in your ear the whole time. Don't do a lot of chatting between sets. Stick to the timed rests. If they're not of the same strength, you should do all of your sets, them let them do theirs so you don't have to keep re-racking the weights.

Again, I like to give you things you can implement right away to get results quickly. Implement these right away and see a difference in how your muscles feeling the next day. Most people aren't giving it their all when they're in the gym. Either go big (give it your all, not big weights) or go home! Just remember this motivational quote "You have to do what others won't do to achieve what others don't.

Until next time, Happy Lifting!

Mitchell is the author of Fit With Mitch, a website dedicated to helping beginners build muscle through weight training. You can get more unbiased information about motivational techniques for bodybuilders at his website, http://www.FitWithMitch.com. See you on the other side.