The power of thought: how concentration of consciousness during strength exercises affects the physical form of athletes

Scientists from the University of Griffith (Australia) tested the prevailing point of view among athletes that mental concentration on the trained muscles increases the effectiveness of strength exercises. Experts have found that to increase physical strength and lift more weight, athletes need to focus not on their muscles, but on action with a projectile, in particular, on a barbell lift. This is stated in the journal Frontiers in Sports and Active Living.

A team of scientists led by Professor David Neumann came to the conclusion that during strength exercises, the "internal focus" of attention on the muscles contributes to their growth and can even lead to hypertrophy. Using this technique, the weightlifter spends more effort to lift the same weight as without focus.

As the research results showed, if an athlete uses “external focusing” of attention on his goal, for example, focuses on lifting the barbell, then he takes this weight more easily and spends less energy.

• Dumbbell Exercise
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“It seems that external focusing allows athletes to use automatic control processes, which removes the need for additional attention and prevents mechanical inefficiency resulting from conscious muscle control,” Neumann emphasized.

Researchers also note that with an increase in the mass of the load during the bench press, the “internal focusing” of attention completely loses the advantage of greater muscle activity compared to “external”.

Neumann recommends that athletes resort to “external focusing” of consciousness in order to show good results during training or at competitions. According to scientists, athletes can apply this "technique" along with listening to music to involve less active people in the training process.

According to Neumann, experts must find ways that will maximize the effectiveness of the benefits of “external focusing” of attention. For example, using virtual reality devices during deadlifts, athletes can simulate a situation as if they were lifting a beam that crushed a person.