dov_ainsley@bodyformind.com.
Best regards
Ainsley Laing
http://www.bodyformind.com
Neuro-Linguistic Programming for Fitness?
Copyright (c) 2007 Ainsley Laing
Last week, an old friend of mine (who I have known for
almost 30 years), was telling me about how he feels about
the current state of his life. He used the term "empty
contentment".
"Empty contentment". Wow, how do those words make you feel?
To me, the phrase is very emotionally provocative. So many
feelings: sadness, wonder, sympathy? But here's a thought:
the term evokes my emotions based on my own frame of
reference and not my friend's. In other words, maybe for
him feeling "empty contentment" with his life is good. For
me, feeling "empty contentment" seems bad.
In the last year or so, there has been a lot of talk in
self help and wellness media about Neuro-Linguistic
Programming (NLP). Have you heard of it? My reaction to my
friend's comment led me to do some more reading on this
topic. It's pretty interesting stuff.
A definition of NLP I came across is: "the common processes
we experience to experience reality". In other words,
reality is processed by our 5 senses and nervous system
into experience. Our experience is then given meaning by
language and non-verbal communication.
Basically, some researchers in the 1970s developed the idea
based on earlier work by a family therapist, a gestalt
therapist, and anthropologist and a hypnotist (interesting
combination). The original study was to answer the
question, "why do different people with the same education
and opportunities achieve different levels of success?"
The researchers developed models of behaviors of successful
people based on the interconnection between neurology,
linguistics and patterns of behavior. Then, they used the
models to see if a person's communication and behavior
patterns can be re-programmed for success.
I first heard the term NLP when it started being used on
athletes ? which seems to be a pretty successful use for
this sort of thing. Now, more and more, NLP is used to
help previously unfit people develop a fitness mindset.
Going back the above premises behind NLP, that language and
non-verbal communication gives meaning to our experience,
it does make sense that if one is made aware of his or her
own negative communication patterns, experience can be
revised into more positive frames of reference. I would
call it a "change of attitude".
For example, remember John Anyman? He's the guy in a
previous article that I wrote who left his family and moved
to Morocco. Let's say that he wants to run a marathon but
something stops him. His self talk is along the lines of
"the training is too much and boring", "I might get hurt",
"what if I don't do well on the day" etc. He wants to do
it, but talks himself out of it. Perhaps NLP would help
him go forward and succeed.
NLP is an interesting concept. As NLP has been used for a
long time, there are tons of NLP practitioners and life
coaches who can help you achieve your goals. If you are
interested in finding out more, a web search or a bookstore
is a good place to start.
Sources: http://www.nlpmind.com/nlp.htm
http://www.nlpschedule.com/w_neuro_linguistic_programming_de
finition.html
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About the Author:
Ainsley Laing, MSc. has been a Fitness Trainer for 25 years
and writes exclusively Body for Mind eZine. She holds
certifications in Group Exercise, Sports Nutrition and
Personal Fitness Training. To see more articles by Ainsley
visit http://www.bodyformind.com
