The user asks for favorite exercise “hacks” and shares two helpful examples: imagining pushing the floor away during squats/deadlifts, and visualizing pouring water into a cup during side raises. They’re curious to know what others’ favorite hacks are.
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Focus on your arms while running to increase speed and endurance, as moving them faster will naturally make your legs follow, without tiring as quickly.
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This isn’t about form, but my favorite trick when unmotivated is to put on my workout clothes anyway. I tell myself I only need to do the treadmill or work out for 10 minutes. Then, I add another 10 minutes, and so on.
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The “just do the treadmill” trick always works. I think, “I’m here, might as well lift too.” Surprised I haven’t caught on to it yet, haha!
Absolutely! The “you only have to do X” approach works well for me. I wonder why that resonates with the brain.
It’s less stressful and helps me navigate my tendency to rebel against strict rules.
Follow a structured workout program and commit to it!
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RDLs are essentially standing hip thrusts.
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I recall reading this somewhere, and my favorite cue for performing deadlifts is to “show your backside to the back of the room.” This cue emphasizes proper hip positioning and encourages you to hinge at the hips, which helps maintain a straight back and engage the correct muscles throughout the lift.
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It’s the same as in downward dog in yoga!
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I sometimes pretend I’m a robot, allowing only specific joints to move. This helps me maintain proper form for curls, rows, lat raises, and other exercises by keeping everything else still.
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This is both brilliant and charming. You’re my favorite robot!
When running, keep your eyes up. Focusing on a distant street sign gives you a target. If it’s far enough, it encourages you to run with your shoulders back and chest out, making it easier to breathe as you approach the finish line.
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I focus on the next “goal,” like a light post or a specific house, to keep my running feel achievable.
This is a fantastic tip! If I look down too much, I end up tripping anyway, haha!
To ensure I complete my workout, I change into my workout clothes at work, even if I’m exercising at home, so I have no excuses and am ready to go.
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If you lack motivation to exercise, give it 10 minutes. Start with stretching and do one set; this often gets me going. Even if I don’t finish the workout, I don’t feel like I have failed.
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Definitely! Adjusting expectations is important. As a climber, I call them “skin days”, focusing on building calluses rather than muscle. I also refer to them as “dedication days,” emphasizing my commitment to the gym. If a workout isn’t as effective as usual, that is fine! I still showed up and did something, even if it wasn’t as intense or long!
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That’s fantastic; I love it!
When performing side raises, use your elbows to lift the weight.
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