What are the best techniques for overcoming mental blocks during functional training?

2 Challenge your thoughts

The second step to overcoming a mental block is to challenge your thoughts. Often, mental blocks are fueled by negative or irrational thoughts that limit your abilities and potential. These thoughts can take the form of self-doubt, self-criticism, perfectionism, or comparison. To challenge these thoughts, you need to recognize them, question them, and replace them with more positive and realistic ones. For example, if you think that you are not good enough to do a certain exercise, you can ask yourself what evidence supports this thought, what evidence contradicts it, and what alternative thought would be more helpful and empowering.

3 Change your perspective

The third step to overcoming a mental block is to change your perspective. Sometimes, mental blocks are caused by a narrow or rigid view of your situation or your goals. You may focus too much on the outcome, the difficulty, or the failure, and lose sight of the process, the progress, or the learning. To change your perspective, you need to shift your attention, your attitude, and your mindset. For example, if you are frustrated by a lack of results, you can focus on the effort, the enjoyment, or the feedback that you are getting from your functional training.

4 Break it down

The fourth step to overcoming a mental block is to break it down. Sometimes, mental blocks are caused by a sense of overwhelm or confusion that arises from a complex or unclear task or goal. You may feel like you don't know where to start, how to proceed, or when to finish. To break it down, you need to simplify, prioritize, and organize your task or goal into smaller and more manageable steps. For example, if you are confused by a new exercise, you can break it down into its components, practice each one separately, and then combine them gradually.

5 Seek support

The fifth step to overcoming a mental block is to seek support. Sometimes, mental blocks are caused by a lack of social or emotional support that can affect your motivation, your confidence, or your well-being. You may feel like you are alone, isolated, or misunderstood in your functional training journey. To seek support, you need to reach out, communicate, and collaborate with others who can help you, inspire you, or challenge you. For example, if you are feeling lonely or bored in your functional training, you can seek support from a coach, a trainer, a partner, or a group that shares your interests, goals, or values.