Act as if...

​I'm currently teaching groups online  - nothing in-person - with the technology Zoom. I do miss my in-person work but have so thoroughly enjoyed learning a new skill and technology during this time.

My virtual groups are with a variety of people from the internet newbies to the seasoned pro.

One seasoned pro knocked my socks off the first night of class.

Let me tell you how!

As the little square Zoom boxes began to register on my screen, I was presented with one square that was a scene from a gym. Weight benches and weights, treadmills and exercise balls.

I was impressed by this new student. He had brought his computer to the gym for his workout. Then I thought more about it and became quite confused.

What is he doing at the gym? Wasn’t he in the group because he was new to exercise? Why isn't he practising physical distancing? Well maybe its okay, I don't see anyone else around. 

Low and behold, I was duped.

He wasn't at a gym but at home in his office with a Zoom virtual background that made him look like he was!

Duh! I can only laugh at myself for being so confused!

Yet, the true message is 'fake it, til you make it'.

Or a better way to refer to this is…

Act as if…

He was supporting his goal to be physically active by placing himself where he thinks he should be - the gym.

How often do we support ourselves with that kind of behaviour? What would it look like if we acted as if we are a physically active person?

What does that mean to you? Would you "see" yourself going out for walks, joining friends for a Pilates class (maybe online for now) or simply participating in the plethora of online exercise videos? 

I am a firm believer in seeing yourself how you want to be. I've spent years using visualization techniques to help me "see" my goals and achievements (more on that another day!). Green screen - yes, that’s how you can set yourself in a virtual gym at home too - and all.

What is ONE new thing you can do for yourself today to act as if you are a physically active person? 

Demonstrate to your brain what you want it to believe. Seeing is believing!

Stay well and happy moving, Lisa