How do competitors prepare for lifts?
Sources:
Competitors prepare for lifts through a combination of physical and mental training, with an emphasis on consistency, visualization, and self-competition.
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Physical Repetition: Athletes need to perform extensive repetitions to build competence, which then leads to confidence and ultimately to success in competition. For instance, American gymnasts aim for numerous repetitions, contrasting with the rushed approach often seen in American training, favoring the thorough, step-by-step Russian or Chinese styles 1.
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Mental Focus and Visualization: Brian Carroll, a powerlifter, describes the intense mental focus required before a lift. He visualizes the lift being completed effortlessly from multiple perspectives, ensuring he sees the crowd's reaction and feels the lift prior to approaching the platform. This mental rehearsal helps to tune out distractions and switch into a focused state necessary for executing the lift 2.
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Competing Against Oneself: John Crawley, a professional lacrosse player and coach, emphasizes the importance of competing with oneself in the weight room. Recording progress in terms of weight, sets, and reps for each workout allows athletes to constantly strive to beat their previous bests. This mindset shift from competing with others to competing with oneself can lead to significant improvements in strength and conditioning 3.
By combining these strategies—diligent physical preparation, intense mental rehearsal, and a focus on self-improvement—competitors can effectively prepare for their lifts and enhance their performance in competitions.
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