Lack of Motivation and EMS Personal Training
Harsh words, Kobe (RIP)!
We all suffer from a lack of motivation at some point or another. Whether it’s working out, eating healthy, studying, learning a new language, you name it.
I often find myself looking for inspiration among those that exude the most discipline in their respective practices.
I wanted to learn data analytics with the hopes of one day combining it with my knowledge of exercise as we increasingly rely on fitness trackers to guide our decisions. I started learning on free apps, paid apps, and courses on Coursera.
I didn’t complete a single one of them.
I realized I needed more structure, and deadlines to finish my homework. So I signed up for a course at General Assembly, and graduated. This is called extrinsic motivation.
Kobe Bryant and his famous “Mamba Mentality” is quoted saying: “I can’t relate to lazy people. We don’t speak the same language. I don’t understand you. I don’t want to understand you.”
Kobe also explained in an interview with Jay Shetty how he achieved his level of discipline. He basically wrote a contract with himself with no room for negotiation. This is called intrinsic motivation.
Let’s look at the various types of motivation
- Intrinsic Motivation: The source of this motivation is internal. We are selfishly interested in the outcomes and every point of the process can be internally justified. (Example: You wake up earlier to go to the gym to avoid the crowded peak hours because you don’t want to wait for the only squat rack available.)
- Extrinsic Motivation: The source of this motivation is external. We do it because we are told to do it, usually by someone with perceived authority, like a teacher, or a parent, but it can also be from a peer, a partner, or friends who want the best for us, and obviously from a personal trainer. (Example: You make that physical therapy appointment because your partner, tired of hearing you complain, has asked you to get your back pain checked out, and you know it’s probably a good idea.)
- Introjected Motivation: Similar to intrinsic motivation, it comes from an internal source but with an added feeling of guilt if the task is not completed. (Example: You made plans with your friend to go for a hike, but you never wanted to go in the first place, and canceling at the last moment would make you feel bad, so you go anyway.)
- Identified Motivation: You know that you need to do something, and you know what to do, but you haven’t taken the first step yet. (Example: You know you should eat more fruits and vegetables, but you’ve not increased your servings yet even though you know where the grocery store is.)
Which motivation is better?
Motivation is highly dependent on each individual, task, and circumstance. Sticking with Kobe, he had plenty of intrinsic motivation to practice as much as possible throughout his career but needed extrinsic motivation to rest and be patient while recovering from his Achilles tear. We probably all tap into different types of motivations for different things in different situations.
Motivation types are not mutually exclusive. You could want to exercise, but also want guidance, and may feel guilty for not showing up all at the same time.
How does any of this relate to EMS fitness?
Per FDA clearance, electro muscle stimulation can only be provided under guidance from a certified personal trainer. In addition, trainers need to have continued education in training with electro muscle stimulation.
This automatically gives you a source of extrinsic motivation, and maybe in some cases introjected motivation. We drive to you, bringing EMS equipment, a desire to help you, and a planned workout tailored to your needs and goals. It is an appointment for your well-being. Your trainer is also a source of associated knowledge around nutrition and recovery.
We can’t all be Kobe, or Jordan, or Brady, or Jobs, or any other über-successful person. And that is completely fine. We don’t have to be. Even Kobe and Jordan had a personal trainer to establish structure, change programming, and track progress, among other things.
In my opinion, when it comes to working out for health benefits, getting stronger, losing some weight, or any other goals, we can establish some bare minimums and work our way up from there.
EMS workouts are a very effective way to cover your resistance training needs and establish consistency with exercise. Your trainer is a source of knowledge and motivation to help guide your fitness journey regardless of your level of motivation.
What do you think is getting in the way of exercising consistently? Please let us know.
Book a 30-minute call with me to see if EMS would be right for you here: https://calendly.com/conradfitness/30min
Conrad
Director of Education and Technology
conrad@bodybuzzfit.com
Bodybuzz
Bodybuzz combines Certified Personal Training with Electrical Muscle Stimulation, giving your body a deeper, safer, and more effective workout. 20 minutes twice a week is all it takes!
Our personal trainers will guide you through a custom EMS workout designed specifically for you. Whether you’re looking to build strength, lose weight, get toned, or recover from an injury or illness, we offer a safe, low-impact solution to help get you there.
EMS has now been FDA-cleared for use in the US and we are proud to be one of the first companies to introduce this technology. It is a full-body workout that uses a special muscle stimulating suit that sends low-level impulses to your major muscle groups to trigger muscle contractions. It’s a unique sensation that is painless and invigorating. EMS workouts are designed to achieve optimal conditioning, burn fat, develop strength, build muscle, tighten skin, combat cellulite, jump-start your metabolism and restore your body’s natural balance.