Do You Mind?


The mind cannot exist without the body, and the body has no meaning without the mind.

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Why is it that gym floors are nowadays like a cinema multiplex? Walk into any fancy leisure centre and you will see teams of people lined up on the cardio machines goggling at rows of TV screens, accompanied with obnoxiously loud pumping tunes over the resistance pile. In my opinion raging sounds and TV’s in the gym provide the worst training and teaching environment ever, you can forget about attempting to get your training point across let alone trying to learn anything new.

When we exercise our brains are working overtime in the attempt to facilitate all the demands placed by our bodies. Our motor units are constantly being challenged to perform optimally and correctly but if we are constantly being encouraged watching the T.V or plugging into our Ipods, how will we ever learn new movement patterns?
It is a well-known fact that the ability to learn new motor skills during adulthood is harder than it is during childhood. Trying to learn a new technique or movement pattern whilst being distracted will result in mixed signals being sent to and from the brain to muscles. Technique will be poor and bad form will be a close second.

According to Dr Kimball of the University of Pittsburgh:
‘Mental focus gives athletes the knowledge and ability to control their thinking and emotions, and in turn, their performance’

Visualization of a series of events (say, a specific exercise pattern), positive thinking, goal setting and even trigger words, can all help improve your training ability.
When we are at first learning a skill or exercise, our brain will send a signal to the needed muscle groups creating a mental blueprint. The next time you perform this exercise your brain calls up the blueprint to make the movement or skill flow automatically.

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Exercising without distraction is necessary for your mind and body to be in tune. Try listening to the natural rhythm of your body, and try to visualise the muscle groups being used.
For my part I find it the perfect teaching environment, clients listen and in turn their understanding and ability to perform is greatly increased. Sessions become enjoyable, interactive and they provide excellent results.

Remove your headphones, switch off the T.V and put it to the test. I guarantee that if you are attempting to learn a new skill, you will have it mastered quicker than if you were plugged into your Ipod!

Remember:
  • Visualisation
  • Goal setting
  • Positive thinking
  • Trigger words
Excel above others, be all you can!

Images courtesy of www.heartandstroke.ca, www.summitac.net and www.pinnaclefitness.com.