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The Mental Muscle of Weight Training
Posted by: Dave
Most of us don't really give it much consideration. We change into our workout gear and head for the weight room for another session of lifting. We lift and say, "that was okay" and head home or to work. We worked out, but was it really a good workout?
In order to get a great workout, it has to start earlier than once we set foot in the weight room. What I mean is you must prepare yourself mentally to have a great workout. Mental preparedness is vitally important to everyone who lifts. Not just advanced lifters, but the novice ones as well. We can prepare our bodies physically by eating healthy, taking supplements and getting plenty of rest, but focusing our mind on the task of lifting is crucial also. Perhaps mental preparation is the most important part of weight training.
How many times have you done this? It's been a pretty hard day at work and you say to yourself, "Man, I just don't feel like lifting today! It won't hurt anything if I just skip it." Sound familiar? We've all done it. What separates the dedicated weight trainers at this point is their mental outlook toward lifting. It's sort of like the wall that you hear runners coming up against. You realize it's there and you say to yourself, "I will continue." You just have to go ahead and do it because the next day will be different and you'll be happier you did.
For those of you who are just starting or have been at it just a short time, set small goals for yourself. Don't try too much too soon. That is the number one reason why people fail at weight training. They don't see 48 inch chests and 18 inch biceps in three weeks, therefore they think it's not working. Do not set yourself up to fail by expecting too much too soon! Keep your mind focused on comparing your achievements against your goals and starting points. Don't compare yourself to the 250-pound bodybuilder who has trained for 10 plus years.
Tell yourself at the beginning of each day when you get up, "Today is my leg day and I'm going to really have a great workout." Try to remind yourself at least twice during the day what you are going to be doing in today's workout. That way when you step in the weight room you have been preparing yourself all day.
Those of you who have been lifting for some time already know the importance of getting mentally ready. Although getting ready for weight lifting is not exactly the same as getting ready for a football game, it does entail its own unique aspects. Each set calls for concentration, each rep needs focus. Without focus on each rep, you are just going through the motions. You have to focus on how well each rep looks and feels, each contraction you squeeze. When your mental outlook is focused, each rep feels good, and pays you dividends and you know it! Each set you do makes you hungry for the next one, and that is the love of weight training. When you are mentally focused to the point where you cannot wait to get in the next day, you know you are on the right track.
Remember, it's not just about going into the weight room and lifting. Being mentally ready to lift is vitally important. Prepare yourself from the start of the day. Remind yourself several times a day what it is you are focusing on. And once in the weight room, concentrate and focus on each rep and set. The success you achieve will be truly satisfying.
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