It\u2019s February again, and you\u2002know what that means? We\u2019re deep\u2002into Valentine\u2019s season. Although we\u2019ve previously delved into the best workouts for couples, as well as workout routines that help couples\u2019 strengthen their relationships and have fun, this year we wanted to take a different approach by focusing on\u2002the concept of self-love.<\/p>\n
The mind\/body connection is hardly a new concept\u2002in the realm of fitness<\/a> \u2014 studies have proven that \u201chigher levels\u201d of physical activity are found in those exhibiting a healthier mindset. But few have\u2002delved deeper into how concepts of love and a healthy partnership can be applied to improve your workout mentality.<\/p>\n Have a think, you wouldn\u2019t put up with a partner if you didn\u2019t enjoy their company, so why should your\u2002workout plan be any different?<\/p>\n With the 14th of February around\u2002the corner, we wanted to ask: how can the principles of love and \u2018love languages\u2019 be applied to rekindle your fitness?<\/p>\n Before diving into this dance, let\u2019s\u2002do a 2 steps back and ask, what in the world are \u201clove languages\u201d? It was popularised by\u2002Gary Chapman in his book The 5 Love Languages. He proposed that people tend to\u2002express and receive love primarily in one of five unique ways:<\/p>\n Despite the\u2002name, love languages aren\u2019t just about how we express love. They have to do with how people want to give and receive some\u2002kind of affection. Knowing\u2002your own love language, and the love language of others, can really make a difference in communication and relationships.<\/p>\n But what does\u2002this have to do with fitness? Well, fitness\u2002is ultimately an act of self-love and care. As we have reported previously, all forms of exercise both\u2002release \u2018feel good\u2019 endorphin chemicals, and serotonin (also contributing to sleep improvement).<\/p>\n But, like in\u2002any relationship, you have to \u201cspeak the right language\u201d to really motivate yourself. Consequently, we\u2019ve compiled our top keys for adapting these love language principles to your\u2002workout.<\/p>\n Though self-affirmation is no replacement for the workout, a sunny attitude is\u2002indisputably a fuel for your motivation and focus. The way you talk to yourself\u2014before, during, after \u2014can set the tone for your mindset, strengthen your confidence, and instill a deeper sense of drive when\u2002it comes to achieving a new personal record.<\/p>\n To maximize the impact of this love language-type,\u2002first, be clear on your purpose. With everyone having their own purpose, whether it be losing weight, gaining muscle, or increasing endurance, having\u2002this information allows you to cater your self-affirmations to be more personalized to you.<\/p>\n Another good trick is to\u2002turn these affirmations around so that they are positive, present, and as if they are true.<\/p>\n Something like \u201cI am hitting my PB \u201d instead\u2002of \u201cI will hit my PB\u201d can change everything. It may\u2002take time, but you also have to feel the truth of what you are saying in order for it to work.<\/p>\n Just like you do with your\u2002partner, quality workout time is all about separating parts of your week to focus purely on loving your workout. Minimize distractions, turn off the phone, sit in a\u2002quiet place and truly listen to your body as you work out.<\/p>\n Quality workout time also doesn\u2019t have to mean\u2002working out solo. When you have a workout partner that motivates you to stay\u2002on track with your goals, everything is much more enjoyable and leads to more success.<\/p>\n Also, don\u2019t forget to celebrate and enjoy every single milestone but also recognize progress\u2002and achievements no matter how minuscule. So, keep having those quality hours with\u2002yourself and\/or others while on your journey to fitness.<\/p>\n Using the \u201creceiving gifts\u201d love language type in relation to fitness goals sounds like it might not belong together, not at face<\/a> value\u2002anyway, but treating yourself to something you like after a workout can do wonders for your motivation and prevent you from tipping into workout rut territory.<\/p>\n The trick here is personalisation; take a look at what\u2002would actually motivate you and make these rewards much more tangible and tied to concrete, reachable targets. This makes your fitness journey more\u2002pleasant.<\/p>\n That said, you should choose nutritious rewards that complement your fitness goals\u2002rather than undermine them. Think,\u2002like, spa days and self-care items and healthy treats or even just time away for fitness and relaxation.<\/p>\n Those who flourish with acts of service as their love language may have a hard time transferring this principle to their workout journey too as\u2002once again, you must give these acts of service to yourself rather than someone else.<\/p>\n Our main\u2002piece of advice for maximizing this love language is to prioritize actions that encourage and create room for your goals over willpower. This will in turn go hand in hand with a\u2002principle such as words of affirmation. This might mean:<\/p>\n That said, smaller acts are just as powerful in propelling you\u2002towards your goals. Organising\u2002your workout clothes the night before, putting your workouts in your calendar like any appointment you’d never miss, prioritising sleep \u2014 these are all ways of serving your future self.<\/p>\n And if your love language is physical touch, you\u2019re\u2002in luck.<\/p>\n There are many creative ways of applying this principle effectively to your workout routine, most of which begin\u2002with an emphasis on the physical feelings your exercise generates. So what does this mean? Well, working on\u2002creating an increased awareness of your body while exercising.<\/p>\n This forces you to pay attention to the muscles and joints at work, the rhythm of your breath and the\u2002relationship of mind to body, making your workouts more engrossing and, therefore, more effective.<\/p>\n Equally important is discovering physical activities<\/a> you truly care about, like dancing, swimming, hiking and\/or yoga<\/a>: having fun with movement is\u2002essential for those whose love language is physical touch.<\/p>\n Although this is a more traditional approach,\u2002there is nothing quite like sharing a high five or hug from a workout buddy after crushing your most recent milestone.<\/p>\nWhat\u2002are the 5 types of love languages?<\/h2>\n
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Sweat with Love: Unlock Your Fitness Potential Using Your Love Language<\/h2>\n
#1. Words of affirmation<\/h3>\n
#2. Quality time<\/h3>\n
#3. Receiving gifts<\/h3>\n
#4. Acts of service<\/h3>\n
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#5. Physical touch<\/h3>\n