I just read this short article from Axon Potential, and wanted to share. Its about a quick psychology hack athlete’s use to influence performance.
You should check it out, but here is the gist:
“During a tough workout or a physical game, we get plenty of signals from our body that muscles are sore and the endurance wall is fast approaching…. our brain is wired to be overprotective and tells us the tank is almost empty when in fact we still have a reserve supply of energy remaining. By overriding this internal thermostat, we can surprise ourselves with an extended performance level.”
Research suggests, the nature of an athlete’s ‘Self-Talk’ plays a huge role in determining that athlete’s experience. That goes with out saying, but Professor Marcora found that this internal dialog influences output as well.
Personal experience bares this out.
I’ve been rowing 4-6 days a week for the last 3 months. These sessions are very structured (work time, rest time, rounds, and output are all prescribed), and are often repeated, so I have a lot of comparative data.
In many of these workouts (especially the ones targeting lactate tolerance), there’s often a moment of panic, when I’m about to be overwhelmed (It feels like I’m wrestling an octopus… while juggling vomiting babies).
I’ve found, when things turn ugly:
Rate of Perceived Exertion is lower, Heart Rate is lower, and Wattage is higher during sessions when I tell myself “I can do this”, or “I’m strong” VS. identical sessions when I let my head wander off into all sorts of dark places.
Just like buttering toast, this new-age stuff can work for you.
So, when you’re hip-deep into today’s workout, pay attention to the conversations you have with yourself.
Andy
Warm UP:
90-90 with Press (DB external abduction at 90 degrees then external rotation followed by a press (light weight to start)
Tech:
4×5 Shoulder Press
In between sets 4×5/5 Banded Shoulder Press
Workout:
“Burpee Toes”
20 Burpee TTB
400 m Run
20 D-Ball Slams
200 Double-Unders (or 6 mins of attempts)
20 D-Ball Slams
400m Run
20 Burpee TTB
I would have taken the jiggling option if I'd watched the video first!
Thought this article about mindfulness during exercise was relevant to the discussion:
http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/02/18/how-mindfulness-can-jumpstart-our-exercise-routines/?_r=0
Hilarious.
Andy - also like the post about the mind games. I feel your pain on the rowing..."I'm tired and it hurts" has through my mind a fair number of times. Can't say I've ever juggled vomiting babies, but that sounds pretty bad.
Looks like the next contest... Best jiggler!!! #madlabjiggle
Ahahahaha - I'm going to be jiggling!!
I was actually laughing watching that video! I hope there are more of those to come. BTW that is the BEST SNL skit ever Chippendale Dancer with Chris Farley.
...and Pup...SO close...maybe next time. ;)
(some leaderboard smack-talk)
Yeah. Love to see all of that leaderboard action!
...and Andy, why didn't you demo the jiggle?
Love the progressions video!!! (Andy's dead pan after "jiggling" is the best part of 2015 so far.)
Also. I think the leader board just had a hernia and almost died. This is the most action it's seen since 2012.