Author: Bari

Think positive. Sounds like a no-brainer, but how many times have you caught yourself drowning in negative chatter mid-workout (“ugh my thighs are burning” or “when will this be over”)?

Adopting a positive, fitness mantra will not only help you exercise longer, but it will also make your workout seem easier finds a new study. Researchers from Bangor University had study volunteers who exercised at least twice a week complete a high-intensity cycling test. Half of the group recited positive self-talk like “you’re doing well” while the other group didn’t. Performance, time, mood, and blood chemistry were tested and researchers found that the self-talkers cycled longer (about 2 minutes extra) and that they perceived their effort to be lower (meaning it didn’t feel as intense).

Get started by checking out these 5 inspiring fitness mantras.

And remember, the next time you’re pushing through a tough workout, boost performance by fine-tuning your inner dialogue.