Like most other endeavors, peak performance starts in the mind. Sure, athletes need to be in top physical shape to be able to perform at their peak. But without the right mindset, peak performance cannot happen.
On the other hand, without proper nutrition and fitness levels, the mind cannot perform at its best. It takes both the mind and body to work together in order to reach a level of peak performance. With obesity levels at all time highs around the world, and especially in the United States, performing at peak levels will eventually fail. A recent UCLA study in neuroscience discovered that obesity actually shrinks the size of the frontal lobes of the brain and affects the memory centers too.
Let’s then start with getting into better physical condition, okay?
Just moving your body throughout the day and eating high quality foods will help in physical conditioning. In fact, doing both housework and gardening are great exercises. Both use the whole body. You’ll do squats, lunges, lifting, pushing, digging, and so forth in creating a lot of movement.
If you’re into doing regular gym type exercise program, then you can put yourself on a schedule of these bodyweight exercises: squats, pushups, pull-ups, jumping jacks, mountain climbers, leg raises, lunges, burpees, front planks, bear crawls, and crab walks. In fact, they can be put into a circuit of 10-15 reps for up to 3 complete circuits. Doing that way, it’ll be challenging. You can start out at two exercises – squats and pushups. Do 20 squats and 10 pushups five times a day. Eventually you’ll work up to 50 squats and 25 pushups five times a day. The most important thing is to be consistent. You’ll reap the rewards.
When eating, keep in mind that eating high quality protein, fruits, complex carbs, and vegetables are important throughout the day. Drink plenty of water too. Make sure you eat a large breakfast, a medium lunch, and a small dinner. Have 2-3 snack-type meals in-between each meal. A secret of the Hollywood trainers is that they make sure their clients eat the amount of calorie needed for a person of a specific weight they’re shooting for. For example, if a person wants to get to 150 pounds, then they have to take in the calories based on whether that person is sedentary (1950), moderately active (2250), or highly active (2550).
The mind is important in both motivation and behavior in affecting one’s peak performance. Getting into a state of flow is the aim for mental peak performance. Flow state is when one is performing at their absolute best and time seems to move differently. Have you ever been so bored at doing something that time takes forever? Or have you been so involved that time moves fast? Doing specific activities in a flow state seems to slow time that performing it becomes easier.
Using mental training such as meditation, hypnosis, and visualization can aid in mental peak performance. Many athletes and business people have found benefits with these. Even first responders (police and fire personnel) have begun using many peak performance techniques. Deep breathing will help in alleviating stress and anxiety prior to a performance.
New technologies have been used in increasing peak performance. Among these is EEG Neurofeedback using video computer-based training. Studies at UCLA and the Veteran’s Administration have shown the effectiveness of EEG Neurofeedback in affecting one’s neuro-connections – thereby changing behavior.
Keep yourself fit – both mentally and physically – and you’ll keep performing at higher levels.
Helping You to a Higher Level of Performance and Fitness by Training the Mind and Body
Bob Choat, MS, CH.t., CTNLP, NASM-CPT does Peak Performance Coaching & Training and also works as personal trainer in Southern California. His training in hypnosis, psychology, and fitness enables him to best help in both mind and body towards complete fitness. He has a Masters in Psychology and degrees in business and leadership. He also completed leadership training from Rapport Leadership International and the U.S. Marines.
He has multiple blackbelts in the martial arts as well as being a full instructor in Jeet Kune Do and Filipino Kali. http://www.hypnomindpower.com
Phone: 818-620-2494
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robert_Choat
