A recent study has shown that if you get your inner Poindexter on while lifting weights, you could get stronger. The study showed that while performing " maximal concentric isokinetic muscle actions" in repeated "bouts" (sets), doing math problems between the sets resulted in enhanced recovery.
Previous studies have shown that performing what are called "mental and physical diverting activities" during training sessions enhances recovery, especially when sets are performed until "failure" ( when another repetition cannot be performed with good form.) One study had participants close their eyes while performing forearm flexion until failure. Once the participants reached failure, they then opened their eyes and attempted additional repetitions.
On average, the subjects were able to increase the work performed by 15-30% of what they initially were able to perform. Another previous study showed that exercising a contralateral (opposite side) arm during a rest period enhanced recovery of the exercising arm.
Finally, there is also evidence that squeezing one's fingers together or tapping one's fingers during rest periods may also enhance one's recovery and performance.
Give these methods a try. Let me know how they work for you.
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