Has anyone seen my Bar Method socks? The power of exercise ritual

June 15, 7:50 AMSF Healthy Living ExaminerLani Muelrath

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by Lani Muelrath, M.A.

OK, I give up.

Not on my morning workout, but on finding THE socks that help carry me through it. While tearing through my drawer trying to find them, it occurred to me how much value we can find - motivation, inspiration, and connection - with the simple rituals around which we surround ourselves when it comes to doing an important, dedicated task such as a workout.

Today is "dancer in me" day on my workout rotation. And my Bar Method socks help me get through it with more strength, grace, and resolve.

It's not that the socks have some intrinsic power here. It's the power that I have given them. After all, they are just little anklets with some nubby tabs for grip on the bottom and a snappy Bar Method logo. I didn't realize how much they connect me with the process until I couldn't find them this morning.

So I've grabbed another pair of anklets to get me launched. I can still do my barre workout just as well without them.

Can't I?

What are YOUR workout rituals?

Think about it. What makes the difference for you? A favorite t-shirt? Leggings or tights? Bike shorts? Lucky sweatband? Favorite water-break vessel?

Whatever your workout rituals are, utilize their power to get you going. Invite them into your body shaping inner circle. And be sure they are where you need them for your next workout. (self, take note!)

And allow them to cultivate a sense of beauty, pride, and importance to your workouts. Don't leave it to the old ragged stuff from the back of the closet because it's "just my workout". Unless of course one of those items is one of your motivational ritual touchstones.

Your workout time is outer AND inner beauty time

And don't you forget it. Workout time is outer and inner beauty time and it starts with the mental connection with what your task is at hand.

And research PROVES that the mental connection and focus with what you are doing in your body-makeover sessions (as each workout is) increases its effectiveness exponentially. As for me, in the interests of time Im off to work out anyway.

I've grabbed another pair of anklets to do duty for my dancer-in-me workout for today. Time constraints preclude further search.

And when I find them, I'll let you know.

In the meantime, I'd love to hear about YOUR workout rituals and how they've helped you. Tell me about it in comments below.

© Lani Muelrath All Rights Reserved