Muscle Presence, Visualization and Positivity

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!