Mind Muscle Connection...

Sure, having the right program is key to success however, your mentality during your workouts will also play a role in your progress.

Are you just going through the motions?
Flying up the weights with bad form?
Half repping?
Talking during lifts?
Thinking of the next thing you are going to text your friend after your set?
Daydreaming?
Just doing as much to hit a number of reps versus pushing yourself?

I’m sure you’ve heard the mind muscle connection term – thought – ok I think about what muscle part I’m lifting when I workout….but have you really gone through a set actually focusing on the muscle you are working?

For instance…doing a hip thrust.  Are you just lifting your hips up just to get out one rep at a time?  I’d say you probably are 90% of the time.  That 10% when you start feeling the burn you end up recruiting other muscles to lift because you don’t want to feel the pain.  Sound correct?

Next time doing a hip thrust focus on your glutes….go through the movement slowly, making sure you are using your glutes as you push your hips up using your heels.  Focus on the squeeze and pause at the top of the movement and pay attention as you lower the weight slowly to the start of the movement. 

Try this technique on your next lifting day and let me know if you can lift as much as you “usually” do.