248-390-9131 RECIPES
VIRTUAL TRAINING

Newsletter Sign Up

Elissa's Fitness | Virtual and In-Home Personal Trainer

Mind-Muscle Connection

Woman doing a bicep curl with dumbbells.

Mind-Muscle Connection
Is there any truth to It?

As a trainer that wants my clients to get the best results for the time they are spending, I use this idea all the time. That being said, I can tell pretty quickly when my clients are looking and focusing on everything BUT the muscle they are working! Maybe they are thinking of lunch, maybe work or the kids. I get that, BUT as a fitness professional  I like to explain to them that YES there is a benefit to this Mind-Muscle Connection. It is an optimal tool we can use to maximize strength gains, so let’s put it into practice during our sessions!

Basically what the Mind-Muscle Connection means is if that if you think about the muscle you are working you will engage that muscle more. This means conscious and deliberate muscular contraction. Focusing. The act of activating a muscle, NOT just moving the weight. he muscle will fire more which means you will work it more and the results will show!

Practicing this focusing technique will help you get more out of your workouts. Personally I also find it as a sort of meditation. The mind is powerful as we know, and controlling where it goes is something we have to practice!  For example, when I am doing bicep curls. I try not to think of other things during my sets. I will pause at the top and purposefully contract and THINK about the bicep, even looking  at it and focus on it. It does help! Sometimes with my clients I will even touch the muscle they are training.  This is another form of activating and helping focus.

The Mind-Muscle connection is real, and it is backed by science.

One study using surface electromyography concluded that pectoralis (chest) activity can be increased when focusing on this muscle while doing push-ups. I have included links to this study and one other below.

Some of  the benefits of the Mind-Muscle Connection are:

  • It helps you target the correct muscles.
  • Helps increase strength.
  • Promotes muscle growth.
  • Makes your workouts more efficient and effective.
  • Trains your brain to focus.

A link to one study HERE.

A second study HERE.

 Keep your focus, this is not the time for mind wandering!
You’ve got this!

Elissa XOXO

Print Friendly, PDF & EmailPrint | PDF | Email

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

5 Star Google Rating

 
 
 
 
 Elissa's Fitness 
 
 
 Elissa's Fitness
  
 37 Google reviews 
 
 Write a review 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 Barbara Ruskin 
 
 
 Barbara Ruskin 
 
2023-09-29
 
 
  
I have worked out with Elissa for many years. In my mid sixties my son was getting married and I wanted to tone up for the wedding. Elissa listen to my needs and on the day of the wedding I felt so confident!
I’m now in my late seventies and my goals have changed. I’m working of flexibility, core strength and balance.
In the months we’ve been working virtually I have noticed considerable positive changes. I feel confident again about doing everyday tasks!

Thanks Elissa for always meeting my needs and at the same time making sure my workouts are productive and safe!
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Becky C 
 
 
 Becky C 
 
2023-02-28
 
 
  
I am SO THANKFUL that I found Elissa! Virtual training with her has worked so much better than I could have ever imagined. Elissa challenges and pushes me to get stronger with each workout. Her steady encouragement keeps me looking forward to our virtual heart pumping and fun sessions! I highly recommend Elissa and encourage you to contact her TODAY! My only regret is that I waited-but, I’m SO HAPPY to be one of her clients now!! :)
  
 
  
 
 
 
 William Kulczak 
 
 
 William Kulczak 
 
2023-02-09
 
 
  
I’ve been working with Elissa for a couple years she has been very helpful in keeping me strong. Very positive experience I love our sessions.
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Kathleen 
 
 
 Kathleen 
 
2023-02-09
 
 
  
I’ve been training virtually with Elissa for a couple years and I love it and her!  I was hesitant about virtual training but she makes it fun and I feel so great after our sessions.  You will be happy with her, she pushes you and is very conscientious of your form and limitations. I feel stronger and it’s such a great stress relief!
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Sharon Garwood 
 
 
 Sharon Garwood 
 
2023-02-08
 
 
  
I love working out with Elissa! I have gotten so much stronger and her knowledge of fitness and nutrition is amazing! After each workout I have a warm glowing feeling! David Weinberg
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Merlina Manocaran 
 
 
 Merlina Manocaran 
 
2023-02-04
 
 
  
Elissa is amazing!! Just amazing! She pushes in exactly the right way and she makes me feel I want to get stronger! Wonderful energy and I’m so glad I started working w her!
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Terry Robinson 
 
 
 Terry Robinson 
 
2023-02-03
 
 
  
Elissa is a great trainer. She is conscientious and very knowledgeable. She designs you an individual training program and monitors your progress along the way. She has an enthusiastic personality that make the session very enjoyable.
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Kathleen Robinson 
 
 
 Kathleen Robinson 
 
2023-02-02
 
 
  
Elissa is a very knowledgeable and experienced trainer. She takes into account your fitness level and is very safety conscious. Elissa ramps up the workout gradually and spurs you on to higher levels of fitness. My husband decided to follow my example to regain strength while aging. His increased muscle tone and gentle stretching by Elissa alleviated his chronic back pain. She takes the whole person’s health into consideration, including diet and nutrition. In addition, Elissa is a kind and considerate person.
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Cohen Kaufman 
 
 
 Cohen Kaufman 
 
2022-09-30
 
 
  
I have been working with Elissa for over a year and could not be more pleased!   She is knowledgeable, very careful to avoid injury, and a joy to work with!
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Stephanie 
 
 
 Stephanie 
 
2022-04-29
 
 
  
I highly recommend training with Elissa! She has been so helpful expanding my ability to use weights in the gym and increasing my strength. She has a great depth of knowledge with training and nutrition and is also incredibly organized, sending past workouts so they can be repeated between our training sessions.

Latest Blog

View More Posts