ADVERTISEMENT
Many athletes like to “psyche up” as part of their precompetition ritual, but does this really make a difference? And is one psyching-up method more effective than another? According to new research, imagery—visualizing oneself performing a task to the best of one’s ability—seems to be the most effective approach, at least for running sports.
In a study published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research (2014; doi: 10.1519/ JSC.0000000000000373), investigators from the National Center of Medicine and Science in Sports in Tunis, Tunisia, found that experienced competitors who engaged in 30 seconds of imagery before an event performed better in both the 10- and the 30-meter sprint.
Preparatory arousal, a method of charging up for maximum performance by getting aroused and pumped up, was as effective as imagery for improving performance in short sprints up to 10 meters, but not as effective as imagery in the 30-meter distance. Both techniques worked better than applying attention or distraction methods.
“These findings highlight how essential it would be for athletes to incorporate psyching up into their [preseason] workouts which can then translate into effective acceleration,” noted study authors.
Bottom line: Appropriate psyching-up strategies can contribute to optimization of a runner’s performance.
When you buy something using the retail links in our content, we may earn a small commission. IDEA Health and Fitness Association does not accept money for editorial reviews. Read more about our Terms & Conditions and our Privacy Policy.
ADVERTISEMENT
Related Articles
Fructose and Glucose Health Hazards
United to Inspire the World to CHANGE
Dear IDEA Fitness Community, IDEA Health & Fitness Association’s staff and members are united in opposing prejudice, bigotry and racism. We denounce all acts and intents associated with these affronts to…
IDEA World 2020 – Event Status Update (4/14/2020)
Updated: 4/14/2020 It is with a very heavy heart that we must cancel the 2020 IDEA World Convention, July 8-12, in Anaheim, CA. Despite making…
Subscribe to our Newsletter
Stay up tp date with our latest news and products.