Hello There,

How happy we can be that  British Summertime officially starts this Sunday when the clocks go FORWARD 1 hour at 2.00am. It seems to have taken forever to get here and now it is - Yippee! 

Yippee too , because Marathon fundraising for the Welwyn Hatfield branch of Parkinson's UK is approaching an amazing £1500! I announced this to the group at their exercise class last week, and because more than enough  has been raised towards equipment for their sessions, I was able to offer to fund the coach for their upcoming Zoo trip in June - thank you so, so much for your most generous support. I was also delighted to be interviewed for an article in the Welwyn Hatfield Times on the Marathon fundraising , that appeared online last week. 

The Spring Reset starts tomorrow with preparation week, and another eager group of people (myself included)  who can't wait to treat themselves to a Spring Clean ... the time is right!!! 

Lindsey Fitness and Running Club members and those I have worked with over many years now, know I practice daily, and encourage them to practice  visualisation in order to achieve life, work, fitness, weight loss and health goals both big and small. The magic of the mind and imagination is a powerful thing and goes a long way to help achieving successful goals  (and Marathons !). Read this weeks 'Mind Matters' article and get visualising your next achievement - maybe the Race for Life with me in May - There is a 30% discount for entries up until 6th April - the article in this newsletter.

A vegetarian Spanish recipe this week in Food Matters - Garlic butter beans and spinach to have as a protein packed main meal or delicious side dish.

Have a great week and I'll see you in classes and online

Love Lindsey xxx

This Week>>>

• Mind Matters: The Power of Visualisation
• Marathon Blog : 4 weeks to go!
• Race For Life 2025: Enter Now - 30% Discount Offer
• Food Matters: Garlic Butter Beans & Spinach
• Celebrant Services
• Book Your Lindsey Fitness Classes
• Lindsey Fitness Running Club Events

Priming: The Power of Visualisation to Achieve Success

In the realm of psychology and self-improvement, the concept of "priming" has gained significant attention. Priming refers to the psychological phenomenon where exposure to a stimulus influences a response to a subsequent stimulus, without conscious guidance or intention. This concept is deeply intertwined with visualisation techniques, which are often employed to harness the mind’s power to achieve personal goals and aspirations.

Priming is certainly something I practice personally everyday, from running a Marathon to getting a simpler task done.  I  advocate it wholeheartedly with those I work with on the Resets and 121 weight loss basis. It's quite magical!

Understanding Priming

Priming is a fundamental aspect of cognitive psychology. It occurs when exposure to one stimulus affects how an individual responds to another, related stimulus. For instance, if you were to read the word "yellow," you might be quicker to recognise the word "banana" than if you had read the word "blue." This is because the concept of "yellow" primes the brain to think of things that are commonly associated with that colour.

In a broader sense, priming can be used to prepare the mind for certain tasks or outcomes. By consciously priming our thoughts and actions, we can influence our behaviours and attitudes in a way that aligns with our goals.

 Visualisation as a Tool for Priming

Visualisation is a powerful technique that involves creating a mental image of a desired outcome. Athletes, performers, and successful individuals often use visualisation to mentally rehearse their performances and outcomes. By vividly imagining the steps and the end result, they prime their minds to achieve these goals in reality.

Steps to Effective Visualisation:

1. Define Your Goal: Clearly define what you want to achieve. Whether it’s acing a presentation, winning a sports competition, or achieving personal growth, clarity is crucial.
2. Create a Vivid Mental Image: Close your eyes and imagine the scenario in as much detail as possible. Engage all your senses – see the environment, hear the sounds, feel the emotions, and even smell the scents related to your goal.
3. Focus on the Process and the Outcome: While it’s important to visualise the successful outcome, also focus on the steps and processes involved. This helps in preparing your mind for the journey, not just the destination.
4. Repeat Regularly: Consistency is key. Regular visualisation reinforces the neural pathways associated with your goal, making it more likely that your brain will guide you toward achieving it.
5. *Stay Positive: Maintain a positive mindset throughout the visualisation process. Believe in your ability to achieve the goal, which enhances the priming effect.

The Science Behind Visualisation and Priming

Research has shown that visualisation can enhance motivation, increase confidence, and improve performance. The brain  cannot distinguish between a real and an imagined experience, which means that visualisation can stimulate the same brain regions as actual performance. This mental rehearsal strengthens the neural connections related to the task, making it easier to execute in reality.

Realising Your Goals

By using priming and visualisation, individuals can effectively prepare their minds to achieve their goals. This technique is not just about wishful thinking; it’s about mentally preparing and conditioning oneself for success. When you visualise success and prime your mind accordingly, you create a mental blueprint that guides your actions and decisions toward realising your aspirations.

In conclusion, priming through visualisation is a powerful tool that can help individuals achieve their goals. By consciously directing your thoughts and creating vivid mental images of success, you can prime your mind to turn your dreams into reality. Whether you're an athlete, a student, or anyone with a goal, harness the power of your mind to visualise and realise your potential.

FITNESS EVENTS FOR YOU, FAMILY & FRIENDS.........

30% Discount on Entries using Code : 30SPRING

(until 6th April 2025)

SUNDAY 18th MAY 2025

The Welwyn Hatfield Cancer Research Race for Life is back for 2025, and we need your support more than ever. This annual event is not just about running; it's about coming together as a community to stand against cancer and support groundbreaking research that saves lives. Whether you're a seasoned runner or a casual walker, your participation can make a significant difference in the fight against cancer.

Join us for the Welwyn Hatfield Cancer Research Race for Life 2025 and be a part of something truly special. Together, we can make strides in the fight against cancer and bring hope to countless lives. Lace up your trainers, bring your determination, and let's race for life.

Stroll IT, Walk IT, Jog IT, Run IT - Just DO IT!

Walk for Parkinson's - Hatfield House - July 5th - Details coming soon!

FOOD MATTERS >>>>>

Garlic Butter Beans with Spinach

-TCS London Marathon Blog 2025 - 

The ' Very Last One' !!!........4  weeks to go >>>>

Back to the Sunday run training last weekend and a 10 mile with car support. Having had a fall two weeks earlier, I was keen to get this done for confidence more than anything else. Gary and Frank the Vizsla joined us for the first 5 miles and Marie and Peter ran the whole distance too in the absence of my Marathon sister Natalie. It proved a warm morning and a safe and comfortable run, ' back in the saddle' so to speak. This coming Sunday is the 22 miler and the final long distance run before the big day itself , now just 4 weeks away. I'll be running with other members of the Lindsey Fitness Running Club joining me on route , along with both car and cycle support. The Route takes us from Welwyn Garden City, down the Cole Green Way to Hertford, through to Ware . Then back along the river to Hertford and returning up the Cole Green Way to the finish in Welwyn Garden City in around 3.5 -4 Hours.

Fundraising for the Welwyn Hatfield Parkinson's Group is now heading towards £1500, at a fantastic £1451.00 (including cash donations)

I can't thank you enough 

£1451.00 SO FAR!

Thank you so muchly xxx

CELEBRANT SERVICES >>>>>

As many now know I am also operating as an Independent Family Celebrant, a role I take as both an honour and a privilege for the families I am entrusted to.

Please don't hesitate to get in touch or pass on my details if I may be of any help at a time of loss or of celebration to you or someone you know.

Fun, friendly, achievable workouts for all ages, levels and abilities - if you are new to exercise you'll be made very welcome .... or if you haven't been for a while it'll be a great welcome return - get in touch for your first session FREE!