Bodybuilding Concentration and Visualization

Visualization and sports/ physical activity have gone hand in hand for centuries. Since the beginning of recorded athletic events, history tells us that the competitors used what we now called visualization or visual imagery.



In the early days of bodybuilding competitors realized that the mind is greatly responsible for their degree of progress. The famous Mr. Olympia, now Governator of California, Arnold Schwarzenegger has always emphasized that success in bodybuilding begins in the mind.

Concentration, or focused attention, is a key to achieving almost anything in life, and bodybuilding/ weight lifting is no exception. Regardless of how intently you apply yourself physically to the completion of an exercise, you will never meet the high standards that you need to meet in order to gain size and strength, unless your mind it totally focused on the exercise. It is a common flaw of all people that being able to focus 100% on one thing, at one time is almost impossible. There always seem to be other intrusions enter the mind: financial woes, relationship issues, doubt in yourself, lack of time…

These distractions are necessary, but as you continue to progress in your goals to succeed as a bodybuilder, you will become better and better at keeping out and ignoring these distractions.

The following 10 steps will help you hone your skills in order to concentrate on your bodybuilding success.

1. Try to block out all negative thoughts. This means ALL negative thoughts.


2. Always think about your training in a positive, encouraging manner.


3. Keep your mind on the workout. When in the gym, don’t think about anything but success in the gym.


4. Plan your workouts so you won’t be interrupted or distracted. This could include not working out next to the classroom during the bikini boot camp.


5. Don’t make excuses to miss a workout.


6. Make every exercise mental as well as physical.


7. Go to the gym to work out. Be nice, but make it clear that you are there to train, not to socialize. Wearing headphones will cut down on chit chat.


8. Have a plan. Develop a workout plan for the day’s workout so you will know what you have left to do, and what you have already accomplished.


9. Look forward to training. You are doing it for a reason, look forward to the benefits of successful training.


10. Use the visual imagery technique. Force your mind and will power to push your muscles.

Use these tips and stay focused.