Mind Muscle Connection

Nivek · Mon, September 26th, 2005, 04:33 PM

How important do you all think the Mind Muscle Connection is to getting results? How long do think it takes to develop a good mind muscle connection assuming you are focused on it? Does it take focus? Is it easier to get with some muscle groups over others? For example, I think the mind muscle connection I have with back exercises sucks. Therefore, the results on back seem to indicate that. Maybe it's something else though like genetics.

Curious minds want to know

Bluestreak · Mon, September 26th, 2005, 04:40 PM

I think this is paramount to success when training. Without it, you can't truly focus your lifting on the muscle; it's like you're are going through the motions and you are getting a good benefit, but you're not wringing the absolute maximum 110% that you can from your training unless you find a way to focus your mind on your muscles as you lift.

I've been employing this over a long period of time, but it does take practice and I'm finally getting to a point where I can employ this concept successfully every time I lift. Some people think it's bunk, but I think it's another key to success, and I could use all of those I can get my hands on.

-R

RTE · Mon, September 26th, 2005, 04:51 PM

Extremely important! You need to focus on the muscle. It is also why good form plays a part, good form pinpoints the muscles you are working.

The easiest muscles to focus on are the muscles you can see working during an exercise. Others like lats require you to use other means to bring the muscle into play, like "trying to make your shoulder blades touch each other" as you go thru the lat exercise.

The slowing down of the rep to a 4/4 cadence allows you to "feel" the muscle more. Do a curl in a fast manner for a set then slow it down to a 4 sec up and 4 sec down count, feel the difference.

zenpharaohs · Mon, September 26th, 2005, 11:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nivek

How important do you all think the Mind Muscle Connection is to getting results?

Pretty important. Muscles don't do jack without your nerves telling them to.

A lot of the easy progress beginners make is because the are training up their nerves.

doordude42 · Tue, September 27th, 2005, 02:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nivek

How important do you all think the Mind Muscle Connection is to getting results? How long do think it takes to develop a good mind muscle connection assuming you are focused on it? Does it take focus? Is it easier to get with some muscle groups over others? For example, I think the mind muscle connection I have with back exercises sucks. Therefore, the results on back seem to indicate that. Maybe it's something else though like genetics.

Curious minds want to know

It's real important. The best way to achieve this connection is (IMO) mirrors. Watch the muscle work. After a while it becomes a natural part of your routine. Also, performing the excecise with a real light weight can help you "feel" the targeted area.

elberto · Tue, September 27th, 2005, 04:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by doordude42

performing the excecise with a real light weight can help you "feel" the targeted area.

i picked this up from the milos sarcev video on bench press that i found here a while back http://thefitshow.com/week3/milos_chest_large.htm .

he said to cut back on the weight and concentrate on the contraction of the muscle and you will get a better workout rather than lifting heavier weight improperly. sometimes its tough to quiet the ego in the gym, but i took his advice and applied it to all my exercises and i'm noticing much better results

doordude42 · Tue, September 27th, 2005, 04:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by elberto

i picked this up from the milos sarcev video on bench press that i found here a while back http://thefitshow.com/week3/milos_chest_large.htm .

he said to cut back on the weight and concentrate on the contraction of the muscle and you will get a better workout rather than lifting heavier weight improperly. sometimes its tough to quiet the ego in the gym, but i took his advice and applied it to all my exercises and i'm noticing much better results

Ya see !!!!!

Note: he also recommends elbows out. Doing this with HEAVY loads would undoubtedly put major stress on the rotator cuff and surrounding area.

krosspyder · Tue, September 27th, 2005, 04:50 PM

:d_eek:

another muscle milk thread!

doordude42 · Tue, September 27th, 2005, 05:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by krosspyder

:d_eek:

another muscle milk thread!

Are you sure Rita didn't scramble your brain.

How does this pertain to Muscle Milk?

krosspyder · Tue, September 27th, 2005, 05:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by doordude42

Are you sure Rita didn't scramble your brain.

How does this pertain to Muscle Milk?

looks like i need some mind muscle right now.

doordude42 · Tue, September 27th, 2005, 05:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by krosspyder

looks like i need some mind muscle right now.

Actually, I can see how you got confused since there are 2 muscle milk threads going as we speak.

Sole · Tue, September 27th, 2005, 06:23 PM

For me, mind-muscle connection is everything. And I think it's something that grows continually with your training as your body grows and adapts.

doordude42 · Tue, September 27th, 2005, 08:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sole

For me, mind-muscle connection is everything. And I think it's something that grows continually with your training as your body grows and adapts.

I agree. The ability to isolate and work individual muscles has contributed greatly to my gains.

SpiderKing · Tue, September 27th, 2005, 11:34 PM

Like anything else, you have to keep your mind right. If you're so dedicated to hitting the last set you probably will. If you're only "kinda" into it, then you wont.

I always get real quiet and zen-like when I'm about to do a big lift. At first my friends are probably thinking "come on just go" but they see that it helps. When you go "monk" I think anything is possible!

TarSeal · Tue, September 27th, 2005, 11:40 PM

Did anyone else see the article in Muscle and Fitness a couple issues back talking about this very thing? They were talking about how there's a fad going on where lifters smoke weed before lifting to be able to better focus on the muscle. Well I've done it before and you do get in the zone, but you forget what you're supposed to do next etc... It's stupid pretty much. Not worth it.

But the mind-muscle connection is paramount, of course!