MIND OVER MATTER: HOW WILL YOU TRAIN TODAY?

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You know the feeling. The moment your body gives up. Your screaming muscles seize, your breath shortens, your steps get heavier and your motivation crumbles. Moments ago you were flying high on adrenalin and enthusiasm. Now you’ve slowed to a stop. Your body has failed you before the race has even finished. The self doubt kicks in. Did you train hard enough? Were you physically up to the challenge? Are you really cut out for endurance sports?

It’s fairly typical of the mind to blame our physical failures on the body. For decades, we’ve been led to believe that our bodies communicate with the brain, producing lactic acid and oxygen in our muscles as a sign to slow down or stop in moments of physical strain. However, Professor Tim Noakes changed all that with the introduction of the central governor theory back in 1997. Simply put, Noakes’ theory suggests that our brain decides when our body should stop. It protects us from physical exhaustion and bodily harm, by tricking our body into feeling tired. Our mind sets the pace, telling our body what is achievable and what is not. If the mind believes it’s all getting too much, it will send signals to shut the body down, even though we may have more stamina left in the tank.

This protective mechanism is great – when we want to play it safe. But what happens when we crave something more? What happens when we want to push the boundaries of our physical limits? Does this mean we can’t, simply because our brain is a master of trickery?

Cape Town human movement scientist Megan Grobler says it’s important to look beyond the surface confines of Noakes’ theory, and explore his teachings regarding the power of the mind. We have the ability to ‘override’ this protective mechanism, purely with the power of thought, she explains.

“If you train, you will begin to adapt to what you are doing metabolically, structurally and psychologically. So when race day eventually rolls around, you’re prepared.”

Training, Megan believes, is an important tool in preparing yourself, not just physically, but mentally for physical challenges.

“Scientific research has shown that the body is more coherent when you experience positive emotions. Your bodily systems will work more efficiently when boosted by the power of positivity.”

“It’s important to set goals for yourself,” she says. “Be concrete in that goal and don’t accept second best. If you are focused on your goal and only that goal, then the brain will help you make it happen.”

Incorporating a positive attitude into our daily workout regime is essential for success in the sporting arena, Megan says. “If you don’t believe something will happen, if you convince yourself that you won’t finish the race then you will fail, because your mind will alter your pace to reflect your attitude,” she claims.

So if Noakes central governor theory is correct, the mind has more sway over our exercise regime than we think. Mind over matter, it seems is one of the most important aspects of our training schedule.

So, how will you train today?

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