visualizing - JP Fitness Forums

galya · 09-03-2006, 04:52 AM

Have you ever worked visualization exercises into your health/fitness/body composition goals? If so, how did you do it (meditation, straight visualization, daydreaming, etc). I am getting more and more hooked on imagining the end result of an effort "as if" I have already accomplished it. Quantum physicians say "don't worry" about the way you'll accomplish it, just imagine it "as if" it already happened and things will take care of themselves.

Lisa~ · 09-03-2006, 09:20 AM

Galya, There is no doubt that the psychology of performance provides real and effective techniques. I immediately thought of the Essential of Strength Training and Conditioning which has a whole chapter devoted to the subject. Here's a quote from that chapter.

Quote:

At any particular stage of biological maturity, the phenotypic development of the athlete's genetic potential represents a relatively stable ceiling for performance, but the expression of that skilled performance can vary tremendously from contest to contest and even from moment to moment. Because athletes cannot exceed their stable performance ceilings at the various stages of physical and skill development, the role of sport psychology is to help athletes achieve more consistent levels of performance at or near their physical potential by carefully managing their physical resources through appropriate psychological strategies and techniques.

Visualizing a positive outcome is one of those techniques and it is very beneficial. I spend a moment before every lift rehearsing the successful lift in my mind. Having focus during any physical endeavor gets you closer and closer to a "flow" experience.

You also asked about health and body composition goals and that type of visualization is a bit different, but the principles are the same. When it comes to adherance to diet, affirmations are often successful. There have been many articles written on that subject. I have personally used affirmations successfully. Tom Venuto has quite a bit of information on this topic. Bill Phillips (no matter how many people will hate on him) gave great advice on the emotional/mental aspects of compliance to a program.

Lost Dog · 09-03-2006, 10:34 AM

Reminds me of the phenominon where the muscles on the injured side of the body (like an arm) continue to stay big and strong, when you can only work the non-injured side.

Visualization is hard for me, though. I feel stupid, doing it, even though I believe it would help.

rem1956 · 09-12-2006, 01:07 PM

I've used both visualization and affirmations. If you believe in somehing hard enough and cqan see yourself there, these then become very powerful techniques for motivation.

RobLL · 09-12-2006, 03:08 PM

Back when I was riding motorcycles, a little one, I regularly read a couple of the mags. One article insisted that if ever you found yourself in a tight spot, 'don't look at the problem, look at the escape route'. And the common experience occured of someone illegally pulling out right in front of me. I saw an escape path, and had no problem steering into it. Made a believer about visualization. Also was a great sermon illustration. Rob

gregl515 · 09-14-2006, 03:10 PM

I am using visualization techniques for my wheelchair transfers. It helps me to pick the proper support objects while I am transferring. I just concentrate and visualize the transfer before I do it.

Ruslan Kedik · 02-09-2007, 09:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by galya

Have you ever worked visualization exercises into your health/fitness/body composition goals? If so, how did you do it (meditation, straight visualization, daydreaming, etc). I am getting more and more hooked on imagining the end result of an effort "as if" I have already accomplished it. Quantum physicians say "don't worry" about the way you'll accomplish it, just imagine it "as if" it already happened and things will take care of themselves.

Galya, I recommend watching The Secret http://www.thesecret.tv/ it's bang on with what you're asking about. Also a great picture in which they talk about the power and ability of our thoughts "what the bleep do we know" http://www.whatthebleep.com/whatthebleep/

I own both documentaries, they're great.

galya · 02-09-2007, 01:24 PM

Thanks Ruslan, I own both films and have watched them many times

Glad to know we are on the same track!

gizmonel · 02-17-2007, 04:43 PM

I too have seen the secret and what the bleep is another good movie.

I have some video links i have that are very motivating will dig them up and post them.

gizmonel · 02-17-2007, 10:50 PM

http://www.andiesisle.com/icanonlyim...highspeed.html
http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fu...oid=1194242144

Be who you want to be NOW!
Be all you can be NOW!

Live each moment of your life with love and gratitude.

GO FOR IT! Your worth it!

Chaney Weiner · 07-17-2007, 11:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ruslan Kedik

Galya, I recommend watching The Secret http://www.thesecret.tv/ it's bang on with what you're asking about. Also a great picture in which they talk about the power and ability of our thoughts "what the bleep do we know" http://www.whatthebleep.com/whatthebleep/

I own both documentaries, they're great.

The Secret is a great starting point when it comes to learning about the power of our thoughts. The Secret is a general description of how much of a powerful force our minds are in anything we do. There is so much more to what the Secret did not discuss and I would recommend researching those who presented in the Secret and study the topic in more detail. This stuff is amazing and the Secret just shows a very small tip of the iceberg.

Chaney

mikex1337 · 07-19-2007, 10:26 AM

I read about this in many self-help books. See yourself completing the action and reaching the goal. I've never tried it though.

Chaney Weiner · 07-19-2007, 01:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikex1337

I read about this in many self-help books. See yourself completing the action and reaching the goal. I've never tried it though.

It is more about the "feeling" and aligning your feelings than it is visualizing. Visualizing is what we often term it. Anyone can visualize anything but MOST do NOT "feel it" or have their feelings in alignment.

Steve-O-68 · 07-20-2007, 04:27 PM

I think this is where a lot of people fail to reach their potential. If a person has lost weight just to put it back on (usually more than once), they're already 'visualizing' themselves failing and putting the weight back on. You need to have the right mindset to reach your goals. Visualization or 'feeling it' (I like that, Chaney), whether positively or negatively, can have quite an impact on reaching goals or failing to reach them.

Chaney Weiner · 07-20-2007, 07:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve-O-68

I think this is where a lot of people fail to reach their potential. If a person has lost weight just to put it back on (usually more than once), they're already 'visualizing' themselves failing and putting the weight back on. You need to have the right mindset to reach your goals. Visualization or 'feeling it' (I like that, Chaney), whether positively or negatively, can have quite an impact on reaching goals or failing to reach them.

People fail because they are relying on will power, persistence, and hard work. These are all operating on the conscious level whereas almost all of our behaviors and perceptions are under the control of our sub conscious mind (~96-98%).
Doesn't it make sense to train that which controls 96-98% of what we do instead of relying on what controls 2-4% (conscious mind)?