Many people try to ‘psych up’ before a race or a big game. But does it make any difference? And is there a best way of doing it?
Researchers in Tunisia decided to find out. They used two well-known methods of psyching up. Firstly, imagery - visualizing yourself performing. Next, arousal – getting yourself as excited as possible before the race.
Sixteen experienced male sprinters took part in the study. Each were coached in one of the psyching up techniques, or taught distraction techniques, before running 10 or 30 metres.
The results showed that psyching yourself up does appear to improve performance. Fourteen of the athletes reduced their sprint time when using mental imagery. Arousal also worked to reduce sprint time, particularly for 10 metres, however visualization was more effective and also reduced sprint time over 30 meters. It would seem then that visualisation is the best method to psych yourself up.
Visualisation is definitely worth trying to boost performance. If you practice regularly you’ll also help conquer those pre-race nerves, negative thoughts and feel more in control. Consider it part of your warm-up routine until it’s automatic.
Getting psyched up is about getting mentally ready. But sometimes our brains need some external motivation to really get going. If you need help psyching yourself up for the gym, a run, a heavy lift, or your next football match, give these a try:
How do you psych up before a challenge? Let us know in the comments, and be sure to put your new-found visualisation techniques to use next time you visit the gym.
Limbering up exercises and just generally 'bouncing around' punching nothing is a great way to get ready for action. I'm normally so psyched anyway i would find it hard to sit still to visualise!!
what helps me is to have the right gear so that I am warm and comfortable, and to know all the logistical details. That's half the battle.
Visualisation is great and I do use it before an event. I think that keeping calm, almost meditating, is also be a good option, Surely saving mental energy will also save physical energy.
I find that music gets the best out of me for a run. But last year I did a 10k for a cancer charity which means a lot to me and that kept me going all the way through.
30 September 2014
Frank H.
Some mornings I wouldn't leave the house for my session without a little telling off, I guess that's my kind of psyching myself up - the goals are there and I'm not going to reach them if I stay in bed. 5am starts it is!