VISUALIZE THE ATTACK!! IF YOU CAN’T SEE YOURSELF DOING IT, HOW WILL YOU EVER BE ABLE TO ACCOMPLISH IT?

VISUAL IMAGERY

Imagery is a term used to describe the process of visualizing yourself  engaging in a specific behavior or set of behaviors in route to achieving a desired outcome. Imagery may increase self efficacy, help you identify and address potential barriers to achieve specific goals or behaviors, and also increase the likelihood that you will successfully perform specific behaviors.  Imagery is also used to improve muscle memory for specific physical tasks that involve intricate movements or find motor skills, such as in sports and surgical procedures.  This process is also been used to enhance physical rehabilitation after injury or trauma, such as stroke patients who must learn how to use her limbs in the recovery process. Evidence suggests that this process, also called mental rehearsal or mental practice, may strengthen cortical connections in the brain that are actually involved in the actual physical performance of the target task.  For example, a soccer player may improve his or her game to a greater extent using imagery if he or she imagines the smell of the soccer pitch, the feel of the ball at their feet, the sight of the ball going into the back of the net, and the movement of his or her body going through the motions during a soccer game.

Although imagery is more often associated with sports or physical rehabilitation than general exercise, it can be quite helpful for individuals who would like to increase their exercise. Imagery could be helpful for overcoming barriers that deter regular exercise participation since many individuals may have difficulty following through on an exercise plan. Ask your self these questions; are you the type of person that repeatedly pushes the snooze button on your alarm clock?  Do you realize at the last minute that you don’t have any clean workout clothes, or wake up to the sound of rain on the morning you decided to go to the gym or for a walk and decide not to go?  Imagery can address these barriers by helping you to anticipate and overcome these barriers by visualizing yourself overcoming the barrier prior to the barrier occurring, thus increasing your confidence to overcome the barrier.

Exercise imagery has 3 types; energy, appearance, and technique. Energy imagery includes mental images associated with you becoming more energized or relieving stress. Appearance imagery involves images associated with a leaner, fitter, and healthier appearance. Technique imagery includes imagery related to the execution of proper body positioning and form while exercising.

Figure out what type of imagery would work best for you to keep yourself motivated, there are many other things that can be a great influence in your exercise behavior.