Mental Muscle (Strength)

Any type of training doesn’t always rely on physical strength.  Many times to get through the really grueling routines it takes more mental strength than anything else, such as the old saying, “mind over matter.”  Sometimes we aren’t always in our strongest mind and need help in order to accomplish our goals, especially times when our fuel tanks are low.  When I ‘m in my competitive training season and my carbs are low, the real challenge begins.  Using different strategies to get through your workout can push you past the breaking point, and finish those workouts.

Strategies:
Start with your weakest areas first when you’re strong then soon it won’t be your weakest anymore.   If you feel you have an area that isn't symmetrical to the others or has been really stubborn to get growth, make it a priority.  The first exercises you perform should be for this area when you are strong, especially if the previous day before was a day off or rest day.

Start with your heaviest lift (Olympic or power lifts) first.  For example, bench, squat, deadlift.  Get this out of the way first when you have full energy and strength, then finish your workout with your smaller muscles, abs, calves, forearms, etc.

Motivation-find anything that motivates to push through.  I like to find good positive music on my headphones to push me when I think I’m done.  Studies have shown faster paced movement will increase your heart rate.  Also, I like to write different quotes in the front or back of my training book to motivate me.  For example: I pray for the Lord to give me a stronger back not a lighter load.   The mind quits before the body does.  The only easy day was yesterday.  Hard work beats talent, cause talent hardly works. 

Change it up-Mixing a routine up when you don’t feel 100% can sometimes be a good thing.  It will create a shock to the system and can help create more growth rather than just getting through a workout and performing worse. Plus when you mix it up, mentally you will be a little more energetic to perform.

Breathing-If you have ever watched any type of Olympic, powerlifting, or strongman competition, you may have seen where the competitor tries to psych themselves up using controlled breathing.Studies have shown that you can increase your adrenaline with this technique.Personally, I like to take two large deep breaths through my nose then exhale the number then on 3 go.

…For more information and tips, check my website, www.chadamartin.com