The Mind-Body Connection
Time to Read
5 minutes
Points of Interest
- Neuro-muscular strengthening
- Strength explained
- Inner strength and self-belief
The mind-body connection is a topic extensively researched with fascination.
Once understood, this can be life changing.
As the second in a 3-part series, we explore this complex connection, recognising the power of the mind and its ability to overturn behaviours, feelings and performance.
Powerful imagery
Studies, exploring how the mind effects the body and its subsequent actions, have found that using imagery exercises helps strengthen neuromuscular pathways, creating stronger muscles.
So, imagine your own personal success, be it strength, speed or endurance, to help you bring about that imagined outcome and to reach your dreams and goals.
One researcher on this subject stated that "even though we treat our mind and bodies as two separate entities they are ultimately and intimately connected".
Being strong physically is powered by one's mental state.
To push through to a higher level of ability takes a powerful mind.
Conversely, in times of physical weakness and injury, a channelled mind can support more rapid and thorough healing.
Mindfulness
Mindfulness is spoken about frequently. It focuses on calmness, acceptance and clarity in order to take the mind to a higher level of strength, positivity and self-belief. It is this self-endorsement that can make the difference to your output and aptitude.
Mindfulness techniques can be practised regularly to ‘power up' and enhance your possibility of building a stronger body.
Imagery in athletes
In everyday life we subconsciously use the mind-body connection, and athletes are no exception.
Athletes often create an environment whereby they are mindful of their physical and mental challenges. This awareness, often called a winners mentality , enables them to focus on self-improvement and overcome their personal struggles.
Here, our own brand athletes talk about how they get in the mental 'zone' for peak performance
Danny Sidbury - T54 wheelchair racer
What is strength?
Being strong isn't just about how much weight one can lift.
Focusing fully on the physical activity, specifically the muscles targeted, can have a profound effect on one's physical strength and performance.
Moreover, an inner strength and mental toughness has been found to improve performance in sport.
External strength does not always reflect a strength inside. Whereas a holistic approach to training creates balance and harmony to ensure life is balanced to achieve longer term success.
Practice makes perfect
Inner strength doesn't come naturally to everyone. Sport coaches and team-mates can often inspire inner strength and propel self-belief. However, the motivation to persevere has to come from within in order to pursue sport long-term. The better you become at something, the more likely you are to enjoy it. Therefore, the longer you pursue a sport, the less likely you are to quit.
Participating in other sports like yoga, relaxation techniques and body movements can calm and focus the mind in order to improve performance and recovery within any chosen sport. This environment is a great basis on which to build inner strength which will support your growing physical strength.
In short
Stay focused on your goals and believe in yourself. Stay strong and keep trying.
If you find your inner strength is falling short then employ some help or get a training partner to keep you going. Mind over matter can really make a difference and propel your physical strength.
Further Reading
For more advice on how to improve your physical ability you must eat properly, drink plenty, sleep well and work hard. Keeping your goals in sight is an important part of motivating you to keep going. Our weekly blogs can help
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