Early on in the training our athletes, I want them to go through a mental checklist or routine prior to executing any particularly difficult exercise. In competition, preparation instills confidence and confidence produces winning performance. This applies not only to sport, but to anything in life. They call it the practice of medicine for a reason. It is something that is practiced ongoing. The last thing NASA says before liftoff of a space shuttle is “All systems are go”. A lot can be learned by this systematic check list in both training and competition.
With that in mind let’s say an athlete is performing a heavy dead lift at Titan. I have the athlete develop and execute the same routine prior to every lift. How they approach the bar, visualizing a successful lift, how they grab the bar. It may be left hand first, then right hand, foot position, breathing, etc. It doesn’t really matter what is in the routine. What is important is that a conditioning response system is developed that prepares the mind for success in training. Do not forget that the idea of training is not just strength, power, endurance, etc. It is also the time that you learn to take risks without anything at stake. To create an environment that is comfortable so that when game time comes around you know you are prepared and you have already been at this point many times before. You do not know how many times I have seen great athletes make major changes in things very close, or immediately before competition. This is a result of lack of confidence and poor preparation. Including rituals and routines prepare you mentally during training so that game time is relaxed and you play at your best.
So next time you approach an exercise, develop your own personal routine. Stick with it, and utilize it to get great gains in training and also on the field.
Sometimes routine is not so boring.
Train smart, have fun, and you will prevail!
Jacques DeVore, CSCS
President Titan Sports Performance
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