Will using your mood each day help you exercise better and lose weight?

Taking into consideration your frame of mind when deciding your workout for the day may sound strange, but there has been a lot of discussion concerning doing just that in the exercise community.  You have probably noticed yourself that there are some days you feel more ready for intense physical exercise and other days that you just want to go home and lay in bed with the pillows pulled over your head.  Experts are suggesting you use your mood to choose your exercise for that day.  By choosing your workout based on your disposition you could get more out of the exercises.   

Days that you feel energetic, angry, or are experiencing any other feelings that make you want to move, you should do just that.  Funnel all of your energy into a high intensity work out.  Take advantage of your emotions whether your mood is positive or negative.  Did someone cut you off in traffic?  Did your cheating ex just get engaged or land a fantastic new high paying job?  Did you successfully complete an important project at work?  Take all of the energy and adrenaline circulating through your body due to that event and use it to your advantage.  You will probably find that you are able to push that extra weight, run that extra mile, or complete an extra set. 

Now consider days that you have trouble just going through the motions.  Perhaps you are depressed over a recent break up or are just getting over being sick.  Maybe a recent disappointment has caused you to sink into a slight depressive state.  You probably will not have the energy you would need to get through a high intensity work out.  Forcing yourself to exercise may work, but your body may have trouble keeping up.  Instead you could choose a work out more conducive to your mood.  Yoga and Pilates would be great choices.  Both yoga and Pilates provide a concentrated work out without the high intensity.  Yoga and Pilates also have meditative benefits that could help elevate your mood, preparing your mind and body for a more intense work out later in the week. 

Choosing your work out based on your mood isn’t as unconventional as one might think.  It is actually very practical.  Exercise requires motivation, energy, focus, and concentration.  You must be in the right frame of mind to get the maximum benefits from the work out you have chosen to do.  This is not to say that if your mood isn’t right you shouldn’t bother with exercise.  That is not the case.  Instead it is recommended that you select a workout that is most conducive to your frame of mind.  You will be more likely to concentrate on an exercise that will benefit your mind and your body. 

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