Buzz
If tough workouts seem unbearable due to their discomfort, try reworking your routine. Painful experiences often stick with us for just two moments: the most intense part and the conclusion.
This concept, called the 'peak-end rule,' applies not only to athletes in competitions but also to people enduring painful medical treatments. You can tolerate considerable discomfort if the peak pain is bearable, and the ending leaves you feeling positive.
To apply this rule, start by planning your workout's conclusion. If you enjoy a sprint at the end of your run, keep it; if finishing hard leaves you feeling miserable, end with a relaxing cooldown to leave on a positive note.
Next, examine the toughest part of your workout. Can you make it more bearable? Maybe you can balance your effort throughout. Or, if you're like me and hate the feeling of being halfway through a 10-minute tough interval, try structuring your workout so that each interval is only 5 minutes, but you do twice the number.
By adjusting those two aspects of your workout, the overall experience becomes more enjoyable, even though you’re still pushing your body just as hard. Once the dread is removed, showing up for your next tough workout will feel easier.
Photo by US Army.
