Training your mind might be just as important, if not more, as completing those extra reps on the bench and squat to gain more strength, research suggests. The article Effects of Mental Training on Muscular Force, Hormonal and Physiological Changes in Kickboxers. Slimani et al. (2017) emphasizes the importance of mental training by putting two groups of high-level kickboxers on the same lifting program for 12 weeks. One group included motivational self-talk and imagery, while the other group didn’t. They were all around 24 years of age, weighing around 154 pounds, and had one year of training experience. In the end both groups made significant progress, but the kickboxing group ultimately made more significant improvements in the bench press, half squat and medicine ball throw. Along with these physical gains, the mental training group experienced a decrease in Heart Rate and Blood Pressure.
What does this mean for anyone looking to improve their fitness? Well, there are practical steps we can take right now to put this into practice. The sooner we can control our minds, the more we can dictate our actions and outcomes in life. Visualizing your goal and reassuring yourself of the success that awaits you builds confidence; without confidence it is hard for us to do anything at an optimal level. Focusing on developing mental fortitude should be key in every challenging area of life. This is not only done by visualization and self-talk, but through energy management for stress by performing various breathing techniques. Meditation, yoga, and getting in touch with our inner selves are also helpful. All of these are ways we can use our own internal energy to produce an enormously impactful output in any area we choose. Tackle fears, worries, doubts, negative thoughts you may have by owning them, and not letting them own you. There is a lot of power in our mind, and harnessing it helps us reach another level closer to the best version of ourselves.
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AuthorMy name is Jordan Taylor and I am a 26 year old researcher, student and personal trainer from Memphis, TN. ArchivesCategories |