It’s the only thing that works for me – visualization. When I really don’t want to go to the gym and even putting on workout clothes to shame myself doesn’t do the trick, I think of the pole vaulter. He stands there with pole held in starting position. He’s all dressed and ready to go, but not yet. First he visualizes himself springing into that first step, then the next and the next and finally he sees himself planting the pole and rising in the air. You see the mental preparation in his eyes as they switch focus. And then he takes off.
That’s exactly what I have to do. I see myself getting my yoga bag ready, putting it in the car, backing out of the driveway, pulling into the parking lot, checking in at the desk and entering the darkened yoga studio. I CAN DO THIS! And it usually works. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if all that visual preparation burned calories and built muscles? No, for that we have to spring into that first step.
A N H I N G A 
I’m not good at visualizing anything. I’ve never been good at it so this wouldn’t work for me. I’m glad it works for you, though.
Would you believe there was a study that shows muscle does improve through visualization techniques? If a person visualizes working out, the muscles being worked in the visualization somehow get a workout. I couldn’t find the Science Daily article I originally read, but here’s a link to a blog that references the study:
http://www.jonathanfields.com/blog/brain-buff-research-thoughts-on-strength-fitness-weight-loss/
Thank you for that link, Robin. It is totally fascinating! My son is not able to exercise much with the after effects of his cancer surgery. I sent it to him. The mind is indeed mysterious.
Anhinga, have you ever taken the brainworks test, that tells you if you are right or left hemisphere dominant, and whether you are an auditory or visual learner? It’s kind of fun.
You can ignore their request for your email address, and just answer the 20 questions. No right or wrong answers. It just angles to learn how you view things.
http://mindmedia.com/brainworks/first-paragraph.jsp;jsessionid=0094554C42178F2163209775D08CC6F9
Thanks, Ben, I’ll check it out. I have a feeling I’m kinda even.
Hey! How are things in Florida?
Sunny and beautiful, Ben. Thanks for asking. I can’t believe it has been so long since I posted. Looks like I need to pay more attention to my blog. I have been reading yours and others’ though.
I just realized I haven’t taken that test you recommended. I think I am almost certainly a visual learner, but I need to find out!
We are in Orlando now, and have heard that there are good restaurants on International boulevard. Do you have any recommendations, especially for a vegetarian? Just good options–whole place doesn’t have to be veggie.
Welcome! I haven’t eaten on International in ages. Many restaurants over there get good ratings. For vegetarian, I would look for Middle Eastern. Sorry I can’t be more specific. Have a great time. Sorry it’s a little cool, but warming.