The "Sweat" Word

 When fitness enthusiasts think of sweat, they think of it as a reward for a job well done: They've worked their body so hard that it's literally heating up. In an effort to cool themselves down, the body is shedding water in the form of sweat. Not only are they burning calories from their workout, they're also shedding water weight.

People that are out of shape equate sweat with fatigue, "I got to the top of the stairs and I was sweating." You shouldn't be sweating just to climb a flight of stairs, so the mind immediately says, "I'm so weak I can't even climb a flight of stairs- I'm so weak I'm sweating."

Sweat becomes part of the negative equation. Instead of being a 'reward' for a job well done, it becomes punishment for being physically weak.

This thought process often follows people to the gym. People that have never exercised are suddenly mortified that their dripping wet- but why should you be surprised? If you've never trained before, you have no idea how your body will react. Instead of thinking, "eww gross" or "I'm so weak" think "wow, this is really working. I'm putting so much drive and effort into this that sweating like a pig! This is great!"

Everyone brings a towel for their workout, why? To wipe off the sweat! Sweating is part of training! You'll get more funny and disgusted looks if you don't have a towel than if you bring an extra one.

Once you break the belief that sweat is the enemy, you'll begin to embrace the fitness mindset. Soon you'll be able to gauge how hard you're training with your body's own reaction, not what the clock on the wall says.

Reference:  Carla Little