Psychological training

Emily Mattes · 09-19-2009, 11:31 AM

Do you have any recommendations on books, text, or exercises to develop mental focus, especially during competition? Losing focus and concentration and letting my head get in the way of my lifting has always been my weak point in the sport. I'd like some tips or techniques on relaxing and focusing on just doing the lift well, rather than getting hung up on a billion technique details or letting outside stressors affect my performance.

Kevin Perry · 09-19-2009, 12:01 PM

Aimee has an article in the Pmenu on mental focus, issue 36.

Jay Cohen · 09-20-2009, 03:11 AM

Emily;

Google the reviews of "Mastery" The Keys to Success and Long Term Fulfillment by George Leonard.

I found it a good read, in fact, just pulled it down, will read again(thanks).

Also look into "Thinking Body,Dancing Mind: by Chungliang Al Huang and Jerry Lynch, another pretty good book.

Master the mind, everything else falls into place.

Master the Force, well, potential unlimited.

Good Luck Grasshopper.

Greg Davis · 09-20-2009, 04:24 AM

Highly recommend:

The Relaxation & Stress Reduction Workbook

Brian DeGennaro · 09-20-2009, 07:35 AM

"Finding the Champion Within" by Bruce Jenner is one of my favorites.

Also, when it comes to lifting heavy things, just do it. By the competition you have ingrained in your muscles and CNS what to do exactly, so don't think about it, just lift the damn weight. This actually applies to any other sport. Stop thinking on the platform or field.

Harry Munro · 09-20-2009, 10:31 AM

I don't think this is applicable for lifting competitions but here's a story of how Jure Robic, an ultra distance competitor, wins the mental battle.
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/02/05/sp...gewanted=print

Andrew Wilson · 09-28-2009, 01:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Emily Mattes

Do you have any recommendations on books, text, or exercises to develop mental focus, especially during competition? Losing focus and concentration and letting my head get in the way of my lifting has always been my weak point in the sport. I'd like some tips or techniques on relaxing and focusing on just doing the lift well, rather than getting hung up on a billion technique details or letting outside stressors affect my performance.

Hey Emily where's your focus going? (wfs, check this podcast lists).

another one wfs
my mantra before stepping on the platform, is just focus on what you can control, step to bar, grab bar, have the bar, clear knees and by then the lifts done