CRAIG PRODUCTIONS LLC

I love that feeling that I get when I'm totally dialed into my contest prep. That feeling you have when everything is precisely as it should be: foods are dialed in, training is intense, you're getting proper rest, taking all your supplements/vitamins and the anticipation of the upcoming competition is high! I like to call it "in the groove". It seems that it hits me right about 7-8 weeks out and that's about where I am, considering that I'm doing the Vancouver show 3 weeks before Emerald Cup.

I read an article on one of the bodybuilding websites awhile back about focus and unfortunately, I don't have the link to it, otherwise I would share. If I find it I'll come back and link it in to this post. But as a result of the article I never go into the gym anymore without a plan. I know exactly what I'm working and what exercises and sets/reps scheme I'm going to be doing before I even set foot in the door. I mentally "gear up" for my workout by VISUALIZING that body part and the shape I'm trying to achieve. I really believe that visualization is a very powerful tool and I have been using it in my training since right after my first competition in 2008.

For example, when I sit down to do dumbell shoulder presses, I set the dumbells on my knees and I close my eyes and I take a few deep breaths. I imagine that my delts look like that of a pro figure competitor...nice, round, cannonball delts. I hold that picture for a few moments and then I open my eyes and do my set. As I struggle for those last couple reps, I look in the mirror ahead and visualize the suit and those big, round delts on stage and I push through. This visualization technique really helps me with my mind-muscle connection and draws all my focus and mental energy to the muscle at that moment. I use visualization for every body part and every time I train. I believe if I can SEE it, I can BUILD it! (Okay, except maybe boobs) :)

As competition draws near, I like to make sure I'm as focused as possible when I'm in the gym. That means my headphones are on (as in: don't talk to me, I'm training!), my rest periods are strict and I am on task! As much as I love my friends at the gym, at this stage in the game, it's time to focus.

I'll share a quote with you that I write down almost daily in my training journal and post it around my house if I need reminding. If you've been reading my blog you know that I've had quite an "interesting" 6 months with a lot on my mind and often, the weight of the world on my shoulders as I adjust to my new life. It's been really important to me to have the gym be my place where I devote 100% of my mental focus to my training and my body, so this quote has helped me a lot.

"The first rule of FOCUS is: wherever you are, be there!"

And one last thing I'll share with you and you're welcome to steal it for yourself...my daily affirmation that I've been using everyday now that we're less than 2 months out...

MY BODY IS A MUSCLE-BUILDING, FAT-INCINERATING MACHINE!!!!! :)

~Julie~

Fearless, with cape in hand.

Tags: