Power of the Mind – Much Stronger Than Your Biceps!

For years, researchers and exercisers alike have spoken about the power of the mind as it relates to exercise and overall health.

The assertion is that by merely focusing on a particular muscle or group of muscles while you work them (for example, if you are doing squats, you would focus on your leg muscles), you will stimulate a greater amount of muscle activity and potential growth than if your mind was on, say, that presentation you have to do for the board of directors tomorrow morning.

If you're a longtime FitBuff reader, you may remember I've personally experienced the power of mind over muscle in one of my workouts when I lifted 50 pounds with my mind!

The same principle has been shown effective in the treatment of illnesses and diseases, as well as general improvements in your overall health.

Power of the Mind – Harvard Study

Harvard scientists put this theory to task by explaining to a group of forty housekeepers that their work keeps them in shape. Then, they chose another group of forty housekeepers to study, only they did not say anything to these people.

Four weeks later, the researchers found that the group that were told that their work was keeping them fit actually lost an average of 2 pounds and reduced their body fat, BMI, blood pressure, and even their waist size.

The other group — the housekeepers to whom the researchers said nothing — showed no sign of physical change.

Without a change of diet, exercise program, or anything else, the mere thought that their work was making the forty informed housekeepers healthier actually made it come true.

This clearly supports the power of the mind, in addition to giving some credence to all that mumbo-jumbo you've been reading in books like "The Secret" (although, many of these resources conveniently leave out the fact that ACTION is still a very necessary supplement to the power of positive thinking).

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