In the field of physique competition, or rather any type of
competitive sports, the mind is a major component of the game. Some people
including even me may argue that mental strength is equally as important as
physical strength or attributes. In a sea full of elite, eligible competitors,
a strong, motivated and fearless mind will stand out amongst the crowd. The
world’s successful individuals have one thing in common, a positive, driven
mind that will never give up.
Specifically in physique competition, I became aware of the
importance of the mind once I learned the meaning of muscle presence. Before I
grasped the concept of muscle presence I attended the gym for the right reasons:
to look good, get in shape and build a strong healthy physique. But I would get
to the gym and go through the motions. I did what I had to and didn’t really
understand the reason or target of each exercise. When I learned to really feel
each muscle and pay attention to which muscle I am trying to target, every
exercise changed. I was doing the same exercises but they felt totally
different. I would get a burn that I didn’t know was possible and it felt like
I would watch my muscles grow overnight! The phrase “Mind in the Muscle” really
describes the meaning of the term muscle presence. I focus on visualizing
directing the nutrient rich blood to flow to the muscle to repair and grow. Mental
concentration on the targeted muscle, to really ensure maximum burn of the
muscle, completely changed the way I train today.
Visualization comes hand in hand with muscle presence. If
you wish for your body to grow a certain way, such as bringing up lagging
muscles, you must visualize how you wish the end result to be. For example, if
I wanted big round shoulders, as I work my shoulders or pose them in the
mirror, I visualize a great set of deltoids that I would be proud to have! This
visualization sends your body a subliminal message of how it is to be. Consider
it like a road map for your body! Visualize it, and believe that it will
happen. Sooner than later you will be smiling at the person looking back at you
in the mirror.
With visualization, a positive attitude is absolutely
necessary. Unsuccessful people tend to focus on things that they lack or things
they wish to improve in a negative manner. For example, if your mind continues
to dwell on “huge love handles”, all that your body hears is “huge love
handles”, so that is what you will receive. If you are visualizing how a lean,
tight abdominal area will feel, then that is what you will receive. As the old
saying goes, “Ask and you shall receive”. A great tool to help with positive
visualization is a vision board. A vision board is a collage of anything that
you personally desire. This can be anything from physical attributes, to subjective
things or values such as personal success or happiness. So go ahead, take your
favorite fitness magazine and cut out a six pack, a round set of glutes, or broad
defined shoulders. Put it somewhere you will look every day, then watch your
body transform then reap the rewards!
