u003cpu003eSo what's the secret?u003c/pu003enu003cpu003eIn a word: faith. Harvard University researchers conducted a study involving over 80 hotel room cleaning attendants.These folks were from seven different hotels. The attendants were split into two groups.u003c/pu003enu003cpu003eThe first group was told how beneficial to their health their line of work was. After all, many of them cleaned at least 15 rooms per day.This first group was also informed of how many calories they burned each day. Plus, they were given a handout to look at on a daily basis that showed them how many calories each activity they did burned (i.e. vacumming, scrubbing, changing sheets, etc).u003c/pu003e
u003cpu003eThe second group was not informed of how many calories their work burned. Also, they were not told that their line of work was in fact very good exercise for their body.Researchers made sure that the lifestyles of these cleaning attendants stayed the same. Meaning, that they didn't start changing their exercise or eating habits at home. Also, hotel managers made sure that the attendants all had the same workload.u003c/pu003enu003cpu003eThe result?u003c/pu003enu003cpu003eThe cleaning attendants in the first group (those that were told how many calories they burned, etc) lost a significant amount of weight. In addition to the weight loss, they also lowered their blood pressure, and decreased their body mass index (BMI).u003c/pu003enu003cpu003eThe second group (the ones that weren't told about the health benefits of their job) showed ZERO improvement.u003c/pu003enu003cpu003eWeird, huh!?u003c/pu003enu003cpu003eIt just goes to show how important your mindset is.Another study published in the u0022Journal of Physiologyu0022 decided to test out this mind-body connection theory.They got two groups of people.u003c/pu003enu003cpu003eOne group was given what they were told was an u0022energy drink.u0022 They were also told that this energy drink WOULD in fact improve their strength and performance while working out.u003c/pu003enu003cpu003eThe second group was given an identical energy drink. However, they were NOT told about the drink's strength and performance benefits.u003c/pu003enu003cpu003eThe result?u003c/pu003enu003cpu003eThose in the first group actually DID improve their strength and performance.The second group however, showed no improvement.The connection is clear. In order to achieve your best body, you've got to have the right mindset.Otherwise, you'll be heading upstream, without a paddle.u003c/pu003enu003cpu003eSo how do you get this mindset?u003c/pu003enu003cpu003eYou've gotta have FAITH! You gotta believe it before it even happens!What do I mean, u0022faith?u0022 Let's look at a VERY old and VERY accurate definition of the word:u0022the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seenu0022Use your mind's eye. Visualize both your progress and success regularly.Imagine every day that you have achieved your ideal body. Get into the feeling of it. Clearly see how good you look.Look at your definition. Feel how energetic you would be.Do this everyday, a few times per day.And as you eat clean and train hard, imagine that everything you're doing, day-by-day, is getting you one step closer to your dream physique.Before you know it, you'll have achieved a body you love and others envy!u003c/pu003enu003cpu003eOf course with proper mindset, you'll need a good nutrition and exercise program, tailored for you.u003c/pu003e
Thomas C. Jensen is an exercise physiologist, nutritionist, and a nationally certified personal trainer through both the National Strength and Conditioning Association and the National Academy of Sports Medicine. He is a summa cum laude graduate of Harding University and a member of the Alpha Chi National Honor Society. As a wellness speaker and franchisor, he has shared his expertise in health and fitness with diverse audiences. He has been professionally training and consulting clients of all ages and backgrounds, for both health and human performance, for over 20 years. In March of 2004, he launched Elect Wellness, a thriving home-delivered personal training and nutrition coaching company, which has since expanded into an effective franchise system.
