Concentration for more strength

Concentration and focus is not often talked about enough in strength training to maximize gains. This article will talk about the importance of keeping concentration and focus during training to maximize strength during maximal lifts.

What to do in between sets?
You often see that one person sitting on the bench or near the squat rack and is sitting still not talking to no one. Just there with himself. He's hardly moving if at all. A lot of people would say that he's not doing enough work or that perhaps he's an anti social. What most people don't know is that he is concentrating. He's saving his energy and directing his movements deliberately toward the lift he's about to do. You see, we only have so much finite nervous energy to help us with those lifts that require the greatest amount of our strength. If you are talking, fidgeting, walking around and moving fast between sets you are wasting your energy!

DON'T TALK TO ME BETWEEN SETS!!!
You see it's not that we're trying to be anti-social it's just that in order for us to lift the maximum amount of weight intense focus is required and that means NO TALKING! The more you practice this the more you can concentrate your attention to the next set. RELAX When you focus and relax between sets you release tension in the muscles. Carrying too much tension in your muscles before lifting can zap your energy from lifting and overcoming the weight. That's why it's so important to really focus and release the stored tension in the legs, arms, back, and practice relaxation.

Suggestions for increased concentration
1. lower volume or better yet turn off the aweful music
2. keep talking to a minimum or better yet none at all
3. no smiling!!! Smiling lowers aggression 4. release tension in the muscles by relaxing Below is a video of what concentration looks like.