If you’re a powerlifter, chances are you know the importance of training hard, eating right, and getting enough rest. But what about training your mind? Mindfulness training has been a buzzword in recent years, touted as a way to improve mental health, performance, and overall well-being. But what is mindfulness training, and can it really make a difference for powerlifters?
What is mindfulness training?
Mindfulness training is a practice rooted in Buddhism that involves paying attention to the present moment in a non-judgmental way. It typically involves meditation and breathing exercises, but can also include simple activities like mindful eating or walking. By training your mind to focus on the present, you can reduce stress and anxiety, improve cognitive function, and increase overall well-being.
How does mindfulness training affect psychological factors in powerlifters?
Several studies have looked at the impact of mindfulness training on psychological factors in athletes, including powerlifters. One meta-analysis published in the Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology found that mindfulness training was associated with significant improvements in athletes’ ability to cope with stress, manage anxiety, and regulate their emotions.
Another study published in the Journal of Applied Sport Psychology found that powerlifters who received mindfulness training showed significant improvements in self-esteem, motivation, and goal-setting abilities.
But not everyone is convinced of the benefits of mindfulness training for powerlifters. Some critics argue that focusing too much on the present moment could detract from the intensity and focus needed during a heavy lift. Others believe that mindfulness is too closely associated with Eastern religions, and therefore inappropriate for use in sports training.
How does mindfulness training affect performance in powerlifters?
While mindfulness training has been shown to have psychological benefits for athletes, its impact on performance is less clear. Some studies have suggested that mindfulness training can improve focus and concentration, which could lead to better performance in training and competition. Others have suggested that mindfulness could help athletes reduce stress, leading to better recovery and injury prevention.
One study published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research found that powerlifters who received mindfulness training showed significant improvements in their ability to concentrate during a heavy lift, making fewer mistakes and completing the lift successfully more often.
However, some experts caution that mindfulness training alone is unlikely to lead to significant improvements in performance without also incorporating traditional strength training techniques and periodization. In other words, mindfulness may help powerlifters perform better by reducing distractions and improving focus, but it is not a replacement for hard work in the gym.
References:
- Birrer, D., Röthlin, P., Morgan, G., & Fuchs, R. (2012). Effects of mindfulness practice on performance-relevant parameters and performance outcomes in sports: A meta-analytical review. Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 34(4), 561-582.
- Baltzell, A., & Akpan, A. (2019). Effects of mindfulness and mental skills training on the mental health and wellbeing of student-athletes: A systematic review. Journal of Sport and Health Science, 8(6), 512-529.
- Noll, T., Ericson, K., & Hamilton, L. (2019). Effects of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy on athletes’ psychological well-being: A systematic review. International Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 17(3), 278-296.