Mental fatigue isn’t the same as physical fatigue.

Learn how to build mental endurance with these tips to push through workouts.

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So, I immediately have to make a decision about how I want to respond.

woman sweating in the gym

head of the scientific program division for theAssociation for Applied Sport Psychology, assistant professor at University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, and certified mental performance consultant

All your brain is trying to do is protect you and keep you alive.

Thats your brain doing what it needs to do to focus on getting you away from danger.

All your brain is trying to do is protect you and keep you alive, she says.

Woman walking on a treadmill at the gym.

Thats all because of how information travels through your brain, says Dr. Wooding.

Heres how:

1.

Slow down

Everyone has both automatic and response thoughts, according to Dr. Wooding.

Full body female athlete in sportswear using rowing machine during fitness workout in gym.

Automatic thoughts are the ones you didnt intend to be therethey [just] show up, she says.

For instance,I want to give upis an automatic response.

Take the time to ask why your instinct is to quit.

Happy woman dancing and listening to music near a green empty wall outdoor in the city.

head of the scientific program division for theAssociation for Applied Sport Psychology, assistant professor at University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, and certified mental performance consultant

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Ask yourself, Am I feeling good pain?

Thats part of training and this is the fatigue thats expected.

Or is this bad pain where my body is telling me something is off?

A young black woman doing post-run stretches in the park on the road amidst green grass and trees.

If youve struck pain, stop.

Consider why your brain is saying it doesnt feel like doing that extra set of push-ups.

Is this my mind telling me, This is harder than I expected it to be.

Maybe I cant do this?

Is it more of a lack of sleep, lack of motivation voice saying, Im really tired today?

Beyond that, your brain can be a bully.

Sometimes your brain can tell you, Hey, keep going.

Avoid the shoulda, woulda, coulda mentality.

Think about the root of the messages youre getting, and whether theyre worth paying attention to or not.

Setting intentionsfor each workout can help keep your eye on the prize, too, adds Lopez.

Each workout has a specific purposefocus on doing what you oughta achieve it.

Find whats fun for you

Dont forget that fitness should be enjoyable.

The best workout for you will be one that inspires you to rise to its challenges.

Avoid practicing bad habits

You absolutely can train yourself to practice giving up, says Dr. Wooding.

Is your decision [to quit] moving you toward or away where youre trying to go?

Have patience and stay consistent

You dont wake up and just run a marathon, says Dr. Wooding.

You train for weeks, months, years to do that.

Your brain is the same way.

Put this training to use

The mental endurance you build during workouts can translate to everyday life.

The ability to do hard things gives you that belief in yourself that not many other things can.

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