MIMA Blog

Imagine your way to more consistent workouts!

Posted by MeLisa Strongheart on May 3, 2011 at 8:30am

visualization3.s600x600.jpgIt is commonly held, and research has confirmed, that sports performance can be improved with visualization, or imagery.  We practice this often with students here in order to improve technique, execution, or mastery of a complex move. 

Recent research has concluded that the same types of imagery can enhance "exercise self-efficacy", or in other words, help get a person off the couch, and in the dojang kicking, or out jogging, swimming, or playing tennis. 

I thought this was pretty exciting information wanted to share it with you.

The three approaches, each found beneficial (see the pdf attached at the end of this post for full research by Duncan et al) are:

 

1.  Task oriented visualization

For example taking five min to imagine/visualize what the exercise will feel like, specifically, what it will feel like to be in the cardio heart rate, how your body will feel as your core supports a strong posture, or how it feels to stretch to reach that pad with your foot just a little higher than you have been able to before.

 

2.  Coping oriented visualization

This is visualization that focus on overcoming the challenges that keep one from exercise.  For example, feeling worn out, tired, or drained, and then imagining how one might feel upon completion of excercise, proud of the effort, rejuvenated, and more relaxed.

 

3.  Scheduling oriented visualizations

As we all know, with full and busy lives it is sometimes a challenge to make the time, and then follow through with getting that workout in.  This ikind of visualization is to clearly put in mind the times, and days, to train, and how one will cope, reschedule, if unavoidable conflicts arise.

 

Fascinating research, which inspires me to incorporate these into our curriculum at Mercer Island Martial Arts, and of course into my life as well. 

 

To fun workouts---

MeLisa Strongheart

you can reach me at :  strongheart@mercerislandmartialarts.com;  206 230 9050;  or of course at our websites: www.MercerIslandMartialArts.com   orwww.BullyingSucks.com

 

imageryAndExercisearticle.pdf

Tags: bellevue, consistent, exercise, imagery, mercer-island, positive-psychology, seattle, visualization
E-mail me when people leave their comments –
Follow
Posted by MeLisa Strongheart

About the Author:
MeLisa Turcott Strongheart is a Master Instructor and owner at Mercer Island Martial Arts. She is a 7th Dan Master Instructor. She also holds a Master’s Degree in Psychology, Mental Health Counseling. She brings these two areas of specialization to her work with families, children, teens, and in designing curriculum.

Master Strongheart emphasizes and has taught thousands of students the value and power of respect. Respect for oneself, others, and the community.

(MIMA), located on Mercer Island between Bellevue and Seattle in Washington is celebrating 24 years on the island in 2021. MIMA's curriculum is intentionally designed to build fitness, flexibility, self-defense, as well as to create a milieu that engenders physical and psychological growth, respect, courage, community activism and leadership.

MIMA has programs for families to practice side by side, as well as adult, teen, and children's classes. Also offers before and after school, and summer camp programs for kids.

You can contact through email: strongheart@mercerislandmartialarts.com; calling 206 230-9050.

The school is located at:
2630 77th Ave SE #106-108 Mercer Island, WA 98040
Parking free under the building.

You need to be a member of MIMA to add comments!

Join MIMA

Comments

  • Dennis D Armstrong Jr May 18, 2011 at 8:45am

    interesting! i've heard of skill improvement by concentration, but had no idea that studies were being done.  i need to read more on this!

     

This reply was deleted.