The Mind, or the Body?

 Minding the Body is a straight forward concept at first glance, but its depths go far beyond what modern science covers to this day. I say with confidence that most fitness enthusiasts have heard the phrase "mind-muscle connection" at some point. The term is used so much and applied across so many movements that most people know of, and can explain the concept; but to actually make such a connection is a different story.This connection goes far beyond "feeling the movement", here are just a few benefits of properly executing the mind-muscle connection.

• Increased muscle activation
• Injury prevention
• Better mobility, less joint pain
• More efficient hypertrophy (muscle growth)
• Better self-awareness and confidence
• Clarity in thought and actions, a clear purpose
• Enhanced visualization and goal-orientation

 There was a study done at the University of South Carolina Upstate in which they took trained football players and gave them a verbal cue to focus either on the chest, or triceps during the bench press. Although the heavy tests came up inconclusive, at more moderate weight loads (where the focus on proper movement can be emphasized, rather than just moving the weight) there was a noticeable shift in muscle activity. This is an interesting study because in one acute situation from SOMEONE ELSE saying 'focus on pushing with your triceps' increased the recruitment of those fibers. The results of this study only tell a small tale of this concept. I would conclude if these football players studied the anatomy and function of the triceps, perfected the leverage and movement of the bar path to accentuate triceps recruitment, and most of all practiced it over a 1 month period; there would be much more recruitment regardless of the weight and an overall stronger accessory push muscle.

 The mind-muscle connection requires both knowledge and mileage. An individual needs to not only understand the anatomy, bio-mechanics, strength curve, etc. of each movement, but they must also apply that knowledge while they are performing. Without studying it, its impossible for your mind to conceptualize the what, how, where and why of the movement; but without the mileage (training) its impossible to polish the movement and know/feel what works most efficiently for your body. With the right information and training style, there are no limits on what can be achieved!