Originally Posted by
HawkOwl
That theory is another piece of oversimplified garbage.
The mind and body have to work together. Neither can exceed the capability of the other. The whole point of training is to get the two into harmony for maximum performance and pleasure. Any regimen that doesn't work to that end is fatally flawed.
Over simplified? I don't think so...
I may not have been a sports jock, but my kids (5) and their friends were all into sports through High School. Over the years, I've watched them workout, suffer, get stronger and improve their abilities. There were many times they felt like giving up, where the body was tired and sore, and other times they felt overwhelmed by the competition. Yet with the right coaching and positive re-enforcement's (improved mental approach), they were able to push through and exceed their own expectations.
For me, it was golf. I was always a bogey golfer or slightly better with a 13 handicap. Golf is really 20% physical and 80% mental. Over a couple years, I focused a lot of time and energy into the sport and became a scratch golfer. I kept re-enforcing positive thoughts and practicing with purpose and it worked.
The mind is really powerful, I think the saying "mind over matter" really applies here. A positive mental approach and learning to work through a physically tough workout can lead to improved performance.
As a new out of shape cyclist, I admit to struggling, where I allow the mind to control the outcome. It's just easier this way with less pain. But I'm working on getting better, working through the pain, lots of pain.