• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Generation Iron

Generation Iron Fitness & Strength Sports Network

  • Movies
  • Original Content
  • Reviews
    • Supplements
      • Pre-Workout
      • Fat Burners
      • Testosterone Boosters
      • Creatine
      • Protein
      • BCAAs
      • Multivitamins
      • Omega-3
      • Joint Supplements
      • Super Greens
      • Meal Replacement
    • Recovery
      • Best Cold Plunges
      • Best Saunas
      • Best Foam Rollers
      • Best Massage Guns
    • Programs
      • Best Online Workout Programs
      • Best Workout Streaming Services
      • Best Home Workout Programs
  • Equipment
    • Cardio
      • Treadmills
      • Best Exercise Bikes
      • Best Stair Climbers
    • Fitness Accessories
      • Best Apparel
      • Best Gym Bags
      • Weightlifting Shoes
    • Strength
      • Best Dumbbells
      • Best Barbells
      • Best Kettlebells
      • Best Squat Racks
      • Best Weightlifting Belts
      • Best Home Gym Equipment
      • Complete Home Gyms
    • Training
      • Best Knee Sleeves
      • Best Wrist Wraps
      • Best Weightlifting Wraps
      • Best Weightlifting Gloves
  • More
    • About Us
      • Our Team
      • Our Experts
    • Advertise
    • Franchise With Us
    • Exercise Guides
    • Athlete Profiles
    • Podcasts
    • Power 30
    • Bodybuilding Awards
    • Supplement Awards
  • Shop
Latest

UNLOCKING THE MIND-MUSCLE CONNECTION

by Jonathan Salmon Published on Mar 13, 2015

generation iron
This post may contain affiliate links (disclosure policy).

generation ironGetting those gains are all in your mind.

Ask any athlete, any real athlete; they’ll tell you that the mental game is just as important as the physical, maybe even more so. In any sport, the mental preparation will likely get you over the hump where competition is concerned, and bodybuilding is no different. There are differing opinions on the subject, but it can’t be denied that in some way your mind has a big influence on your body.

Whether it’s looking into the mirror and feeling inadequate or not feeling up to snuff – it’s your mindset that’s ultimately going to determine how hard you’re going to push yourself in the gym. Hell, even more than that – it’s going to determine just how far you’ll be able to develop a given muscle group. Which brings us to the topic of conversation, one that many bodybuilders debate to this day – Is the mind-muscle connection real?

In a way, yes. There’s no doubt that hard work is going to bring you the gains you seek in the gym. Becoming shredded is more than just about pumping iron endlessly. The mental drive to build up the muscle of the day is important to development as well. Does that mean just by thinking on it, your muscles will activate and react to your commands to grow? That may depend on who you are. When you have a mental plan of attack heading into a workout, focused on building your biceps or hamstrings, the mind-muscle connection is already being established. So in what ways can you mentally activate you muscles?
.

Total Focus

It may seem a bit self explanatory, but there’s nothing worse than working out a muscle group and being distracted by some other outside force. This can throw you off your game and distract you from concentrating on targeting the muscle of the day. When it’s time to lift, your mind should be totally focused.
.

Warm Up

Your warm up should be done with light weights and have a emphasis on contracting the muscle, making it tight, working on that form before you start lifting the heavier weights. It’ll be easier to lift that heavier weight and get better results once that form is perfect. Warm ups get the muscles activated and ready for the main course.
.

Perform Exercise Slowly

For instance, if you’re performing curls, then perform the motion at a steady pace, then squeeze out one or two reps very slowly. Contract and squeeze the muscles and your bicep will feel like they’re on fire. The slower the movement the more concentration you can place on your muscles contracting and growing.
.

Flex Muscles/Pose In between Sets

Find a mirror after your set and flex & pose to check out the development of your muscles. From there you can practice on your contractions and squeezing your muscles. This will ultimately help with the mind-muscle connection when performing an exercise that attacks that muscle group.

 

So what do you think? Is the mind-muscle connection real? Let us know what you think in the comments below and be sure to follow Generation Iron on Facebook and Twitter.

About Jonathan Salmon

Managing editor of Generation Iron, Jonathan Salmon is a writer, martial arts instructor, and geek culture enthusiast. He has been writing about bodybuilding, combat sports, and strength sports for over 8 years. Check out his YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Sound Cloud for in-depth MMA analysis.

View All Articles

Primary Sidebar

Get the Latest

Stay informed with the latest news, product reviews, & expert advice.

Popular Reviews

  • best protein powders

    The Best Protein Powder Supplements of 2025 (Tried and Tested)

  • Best Creatine Supplements For Bulking & Muscle Growth of 2025 (Personally Tested)

  • top x pre workout

    The 14 Best Pre-Workout Supplements of 2025 (MD Reviewed)

  • Performance Lab SPORT BCAA

    The Best BCAA For Bodybuilding Health & Performance Goals

Trending Articles

  • female fitness models

    18 Best Butts On The Internet (Updated 2024)

  • ronnie coleman the king workout

    Ronnie “The King” Coleman’s Complete Bodybuilding Workout

  • Chris bumstead's 2024 workout and diet plan

    Chris Bumstead’s 2025 Complete Bodybuilding Workout & Diet Plan

  • The Ultimate Mike Mentzer Workout and Diet

Popular Now

  • best protein powders

    The Best Protein Powder Supplements of 2025 (Tried and Tested)

  • Best Creatine Supplements For Bulking & Muscle Growth of 2025 (Personally Tested)

  • top x pre workout

    The 14 Best Pre-Workout Supplements of 2025 (MD Reviewed)

  • female fitness models

    18 Best Butts On The Internet (Updated 2024)

  • best citrulline supplements

    The Best Citrulline Malate Supplements for Performance and Pump

  • ronnie coleman the king workout

    Ronnie “The King” Coleman’s Complete Bodybuilding Workout

Generation Iron

Generation Iron is the first and only digital network delivering health, fitness, bodybuilding, and strength sports content. We deliver premium content with the biggest names in fitness and provide expert coverage, reviews on top brands, workout tips and trends in the worlds of fitness, health and strength sports.

Strongman Corporation
Vladar

Sections

  • Trending News
  • Original Movies
  • Original Content
  • Supplement Reviews
  • Equipment Reviews
  • Exercise Guides
  • Nutrition Guides
  • Athlete Profiles

More

  • About Us
  • Our Team
  • Our Experts
  • Advertise
  • Franchise With Us
  • Podcasts
  • Power 30
  • Shop

CONTACT

Generation Iron Brands LLC
134 West 29th Street Suite 902
New York, NY 10001
Email: [email protected]

Follow

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • X / Twitter
  • YouTube

© 2025 · Generation Iron · Disclaimers · Privacy Policy · Accessibility