Be Aware: Muscles!

I think it was on one of my 10 Minute Solution DVDs, the instructor emphasized being aware of the muscle(s) upon which you are working. It was some time ago, but I remember trying it and thinking wow. Not only does it feel neat, but it helps you make sure you're doing an exercise correctly.

Lumbar Triangle from Wikimedia Commons

For example, if you're doing a back track with weights and you're not concentrating on lifting the weights using the muscles in your back, you may very well be just using your arms. I know. I know. Of course you have to use your arms to lift weights in this situation but the majority of the effort should be coming from your back. And friends, working your back is a good thing. It helps with your posture and when you have good posture, you usually feel better. Posture is also helpful when you're working out. Look at that. It all comes together.

As you may know, I like when there's even more science involved. The Cleveland Clinic's Lerner Research Institute has found preliminary evidence that muscles can be toned or strengthened through mental exertion. Now I am not recommending (and neither are they) that you just sit there and imagine working out instead of doing the real thing. Cleveland Clinic is looking at it as a possible way to help their cardiac rehabilitation program. By adding this concept to your regular exercise though you can further strengthen yourself. And when you feel strong you improve your well-feeling.

Now I'm not sure how easy it is for the average person to just start being aware of their muscles if they've never done it before. I spent 20+ years in dance training so I have a certain familiarity with my muscles already. Because of that, I'm also not sure why it took an exercise video to really get me to do this on a regular basis. But there you have it.

Read more:
Cleveland Clinic Mental Exercise
From mental power to muscle power--gaining strength by using the mind Abstract

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