Think Right for Better Gains

by: Pm - July 27th, 2007

The left side of the brain is logical, analytical, rational, and objective. This half of the brain focuses on the individual components that contribute to a “whole”, but not the whole itself. When we develop our workout routines and nutrition plans, this is the side of our brain that we tend to emphasize. We’re very specific about what exercises that we intend to do, the sequence that we plan on doing the exercises in, the number of repetitions that we are striving for, and the amount of resistance that we plan on using. These are all left-brain initiated thoughts. While they’re certainly important to our successfulness in the gym, most of us could use to devote more energy to the right-brain thinking of nutrition and fitness.

As you’ve probably started to figure out, the right side of the brain is subjective, random/spontaneous, holistic… even emotional. When people talk about an athlete having “heart,” right brain activity is what they’re really referring to. Right-brain thinking is creative and impulsive. It’s the type of thinking that encourages you to change-up your routine; to occasionally train by “feel” rather than by plan; to take an unscheduled rest day because your body and mind aren’t ready for another grueling workout just yet. The right half of your brain also enables you to look beyond a given phase of your training and focus, instead, on larger goals like what you ultimately want to look like and how you want to feel.

Learning to balance the two hemispheres of your brain is best for all aspects of life – particularly eating and training. Here’s why: when it comes to your body, everything works, but nothing works well for long.

The detail and discipline of left brain type thinking is critical for success. As the old adage goes, “fail to plan and you can plan to fail.” Before you can achieve any goals, you must know specifically what they are. You also need to break the loftier goals into more specific objectives (see my earlier post, “Punch Procrastination’s Lights Out,” Jul. 20th for more on this topic). Aside from possibly tightening-up the level of detail in the objectives that you outline in your blueprint (goal), most of you probably have the left-brain thinking under control.

Right brain thinking is equally important to your success. When you just can’t bear to eat another egg white, can-o-tuna, or boneless, skinless chicken breast, who do you look to? That’s right, the right half of your brain. This is the section of your central nervous system that enables you to find creative ways to meet your dietary goals, without frying-out your taste buds. Similarly, it’s what facilitates changes to your routine, so that you don’t get stale, frustrated, and unmotivated in the gym.

As a parting thought, I’ll leave you with two great American’s quotes…

“Practice puts brains in your muscles.”
- Sam Snead

“Great ideas originate in the muscles.”
- Thomas Edison

Happy Heaving,

PM

The information contained in this article is not intended to be used for, or replace, the advice, medical diagnosis, or treatment of your doctor. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other licensed healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, diet, or exercise routine or when you have questions regarding any medical condition. Use of this article indicates that you expressly acknowledge and agree that Optimum Nutrition, Inc., its suppliers, licensees, and sub-licensees are not responsible for the results of your decision resulting from the use of this information including, but not limited to, your choosing to seek or not seek professional medical care based on the information contained in this article.