Growth and the Mind-Body connection

[casualbb]

This HST cycle, I did an experiment of sorts. My back growth had been pretty solid, but I really wanted wider lats.

My lat exercise was weighted pullups.

I kept weighted pullups, but I tried something else: each and every rep, instead of merely trying to get my chin over the bar, I focused on pulling with the lats. I had to drop the weight, but the results have been spectacular. That, combined with the same technique on barbell rows has exploded my back growth.

Literally, my back has grown noticeably over the last 4 weeks (during that period I also coincidentally put on about 10 pounds thanks to good eating.)

Has anyone else found that, by merely "thinking" about the target muscle during an exercise, they have experienced increased growth?

 

[Deleted member 33117]

I've always found that focusing on the target muscle at the very least gives a deeper burn. Its hard to say if I've grown faster as a result since I havern't really stopped growing as of yet. I have less than 4 years of training experience. However I'm a strong believer in establishing a mind-muscle conection for recruiting more fibers. So your results sound very plausable to me.

 

[Zander1983]

I think your results have more to do with concentrating on better technique than thinking about your lats as you pull/row. I guess its one and the same though

 

[PolishHammer1977]

I think about the target muscle I am going to use every time I lift. I have always done this. I never tried to go away from it since I used it so I have no concrete evidence to back up my claim otherwise. It works for me.

 

[Zander1983]

I think about the target muscle I am going to use every time I lift. I have always done this.

Come to think of it, I do it too. I think its part of making sure you're using the right technique.

 

[PolishHammer1977]

I first learned it from a gentleman in Sportset. He was an older guy in his 50's and always wore a grey sweatsuit. He showed me how to perform the compounds and taught me to think about the muscle and then use it. This was in 1990.

 

[slinky]

Always concentrate; always focus and visualize.

That's the difference between those who succeed and those who just do.


Whew, this thread just made me go through a "zen" moment. I need a beer.

 

[Deleted member 33117]

Ohhhhhmmmm.... I'm feeling it too Guru Slinky.

 

[slinky]

The beer or the "zen" moment?

 

[Deleted member 33117]

Haha the zen... don't do beer. I'm the only sober person under 30 in College Station.