Mental Preparation

[bloodnsweat]

So I’ve read a lot about priming the nervous system and executing the perfect rep (really interesting post btw); but do you have anything to say about the mental aspect of lifting? I think you’ve mentioned getting into “the zone” a few times mostly by activating your nervous system with physical techniques. I’ve tried a few of these techniques and they definitely do have an effect. However, I find that my mental state when I go into the weight room can have a really deep impact as well.

I remember reading from some sport psychologist (I forget his name, but he’s a stocky lil’ fellow) on how to consistently get into this mental zone. It actually worked and my in-game performance really showed it in my days of playing basketball. I carried this technique into the weight room too and I find it invaluable.

You basically try and remember a time when you just happened to be in the zone (or wait for the next time you are if you can’t remember) and record specific cues and idiosyncrasies you have. Then when you get the hang of it you can just physically do them when you’re not in the zone and you’ll start to slip into it. Personally, I usually sit for just a couple minutes and clear my mind and just start to feel intense inside(kinda hard to explain) and I put a specific (kinda angry looking) face on. I don’t always do this before a session and when I don’t I have a pretty shitty workout.

This is just my take on the mental aspect of training. I’d really appreciate it if anyone else has any tips, tricks or personal regimen they go through to get into that intense mental zone where you destroy every single rep.

[John_Schlecht]

bloodnsweat–

I’m glad to hear someone actually bring this up, as I believe your mental approach to training is just as important as your physical approach. I played both division 1 football and a few years in the NFL, and one of the main differences between collegiate and professional sports is the athlete’s ability to compete not only physcially, but mentally as well. I’ve known a lot of great college players who possessed the physcial skills to become and be a successful professional athlete, but couldn’t handle it mentally. Yes, you are born with this innate ability to some degree, but it can also be learned.

Anyway, the one thing that always helped me get into “the zone” and ready to compete on the field, was having a consistent routine leading up to a competition. You hear about this all the time, and for good reason, it works. My playing days are now over after a career ending knee injury a few years back, but I still employ the same “pre-game” or “pre-workout” techniques today. I work out first thing in the morning, so I wake at the same time, take my pre-workout supplements at the same time (utilizing CT’s Peri-workout Nutrition protocol), leave the house for the gym at the same time, and pretty much listen to the same songs in the car on the way to the gym. I’ve done it this way for so long, that my body and mind literally start to zone in on what I’m going to the gym to accomplish before I even get there.

I then go through the same routine upon entering the gym…whole body dynamic warm up, activation exercises according to what I’m training that way, etc. Once my body and mind are primed for the workout, I go into it full speed, intent on destoying the weights!! I don’t talk to people while I train, I have 100% complete focus on what I came to the gym to accomplish. In fact, it’s probably the only time in my life where I truly am 100% in the moment. Everything else falls away and I hardly even notice what’s going on around me.

You’re only in the gym for about an hour, so you have 23 other hours in the day to be “social”. It’s not like I’m a dick to people, it’s just this is my time and I take it serious. I always strive to perform better than the previous workout. I think if you focus on improving your performance, body composition goals will follow.

Long description, but it’s what’s worked for me both as an athlete and as a person who is passionate about training. Hope it helps.

[jasmincar]

[quote]synergy93 wrote:
bloodnsweat–

I’m glad to hear someone actually bring this up, as I believe your mental approach to training is just as important as your physical approach. I played both division 1 football and a few years in the NFL, and one of the main differences between collegiate and professional sports is the athlete’s ability to compete not only physcially, but mentally as well. I’ve known a lot of great college players who possessed the physcial skills to become and be a successful professional athlete, but couldn’t handle it mentally. Yes, you are born with this innate ability to some degree, but it can also be learned.

Anyway, the one thing that always helped me get into “the zone” and ready to compete on the field, was having a consistent routine leading up to a competition. You hear about this all the time, and for good reason, it works. My playing days are now over after a career ending knee injury a few years back, but I still employ the same “pre-game” or “pre-workout” techniques today. I work out first thing in the morning, so I wake at the same time, take my pre-workout supplements at the same time (utilizing CT’s Peri-workout Nutrition protocol), leave the house for the gym at the same time, and pretty much listen to the same songs in the car on the way to the gym. I’ve done it this way for so long, that my body and mind literally start to zone in on what I’m going to the gym to accomplish before I even get there.

I then go through the same routine upon entering the gym…whole body dynamic warm up, activation exercises according to what I’m training that way, etc. Once my body and mind are primed for the workout, I go into it full speed, intent on destoying the weights!! I don’t talk to people while I train, I have 100% complete focus on what I came to the gym to accomplish. In fact, it’s probably the only time in my life where I truly am 100% in the moment. Everything else falls away and I hardly even notice what’s going on around me.

You’re only in the gym for about an hour, so you have 23 other hours in the day to be “social”. It’s not like I’m a dick to people, it’s just this is my time and I take it serious. I always strive to perform better than the previous workout. I think if you focus on improving your performance, body composition goals will follow.

Long description, but it’s what’s worked for me both as an athlete and as a person who is passionate about training. Hope it helps.[/quote]

I agree with everything you said. I want to emphasize the fact that it can be learned
Also I saw your deadlift video and you are a beast