How do you prepare for your workouts? Oh, you don't prepare, but rather just go right to it. Well that's fine if you're only concerned about getting through the workout, just don't expect optimal results!
If you're looking to turn every workout into an amazing muscle building, fat loss incinerating and total body blast, you need to prepare!

This visualization protocol is to be completed before you begin each workout - You can do it before you leave the house, but it's even more powerful if you do just before you begin - Try it in your car before you walk into the gym.
All you need to do is go over in your mind exactly what you plan on doing for the workout; the exercises, sequence of exercises, poundages, sets, reps, the whole gamut. More than anything, your objective is to hone in on those muscles that you will be working. 

If the day involves different muscle groups then take a little time and make sure to concentrate on all of the involved muscle groups.

Besides simply visualizing your muscles working, I want you to see yourself exercising and fighting through the pain, if any you will be exposed to.  You will see yourself lifting for the prescribed repetitions and feeling the blood rushing to those muscles.  By doing this the mind will optimally prepare your muscles for what is about to come. 

The benefits of this exercise include:
*Stronger muscle contractions due to a greater Mind/Muscle connection.
*Greater motivation & inspiration
*More confidence to lift more successfully - Especially during technically difficult exercises or for heavier lifting.
* A faster workout because you will be more focused and less likely to waste time.
*Everyday science is discovering the power of the mind and how it can positively affect all aspects of the physical body. When I first began researching the mind/body connection, the only evidence that I could find was all Easter based. Now a days it's becoming second nature and believe it or not, we've only touched upon this often dormant power that we all possess.  

The most important thing to take away from this Blog post is to plan ahead; don't walk into the gym blindly and expect to get everything you can from your workouts. Think before you go and think of the results you want to achieve.  Prepare yourself for the workout.  By doing this you will have already begun your workout. 
You are exercising out any doubt or confusion as to what you need to do. You are planning how effective your workout will be and what you want to achieve.

The next Blog post will describe your During Working Out Visualization

Keep Going!

James Villepigue CSCS