While witnessing potential physical success with the eyes of the mind helps to increase concentration and self-confidence, the practice of visualization has advantages beyond purely spiritual. According to a 2014 study conducted by researchers at Ohio University’s Osteopathic Medical College, mental image exercises can actually prevent weakness in the body without literally moving the muscles. Just imagining yourself exercising can delay muscle atrophy and strengthen your body.
The one who really knows the power of thinking goodIs it so powerful?
How does visualization strengthen muscles?
Researchers at Ohio University put study participants in a fixed cast around the wrist for four weeks to test the theory of mind for muscles. One group was instructed to vividly visualize the flexion of the arm muscles 5 days a week for 11 minutes, while the other group was not given any kind of instruction. When all casts were removed, researchers found that people who were bent in all spirits could be twice as strong as others.
It wasn’t just their muscles that were stronger, but the neuromuscular pathways in their minds were also demonstrated by magnetic imaging and were probably responsible for the increase in fitness.
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“Our study suggests that imaging exercises can be a valuable tool for preventing or delaying muscle weakness when health problems limit or limit a person’s mobility. That could be, “said a press release from research author Brian Clark Osteopathic Medicine, a professor of physiology and neuroscience at the University of Ohio Heritage College.
Needless to say, these findings are likely not only for people undergoing neurorehabilitation, such as after a stroke, but also for those who are simply trying to recover from an injury. For older people who aren’t as enthusiastic as they used to be, actively imagining gym time can help keep their muscles strong.
Is it worth trying?
Some scientists in this area believe that further research is needed to determine the effectiveness of visualization. “Despite the vast literature on this subject, there is no clear understanding of the impact of mental imagery perspectives on muscle strength,” said one academic paper on this subject. Journal of sports science and medicine Read in 2016. “In fact, the literature shows different, sometimes opposite views.”
Nonetheless, New Jersey’s Hudson Premier Physiotherapist & Sports founder and physiotherapist Sandra Gale Freina, who is familiar with the world of rehabilitation, says this strategy has absolute benefits.
“Mental image exercise is a neurocognitive approach to commonly used visualization techniques to relax, enter a better mind space, and experience sensory information in the mind without being stimulated in advance. “She explains. Self-talk, goal setting, meditation, and quiet visualization are all examples of this. “Practicing these imaging exercises, either visual, kinesthetic, or auditory, is a healthy coping mechanism.”
And that applies not only to injured athletes, but also to those who are trying to get the most out of the bad situation. “In stressful situations, you’re in a tense state of mind, so immersing yourself in it activates the motor areas of your brain and changes your performance and even your mental state,” says Frayna. “Focusing on the image of the mind without external stimuli can be as useful as physical exercise.”
Athletes often use this approach to prepare for the competition without excessive physical activity. Trainers will instruct you to evoke as many senses as possible in order to make this strategy most effective.
So, next time, if you’re in a position where you can’t exercise, or if you want to approach fitness from a more comprehensive posture, keep in mind that portraying performance can be the key. Your success.
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