Mental training is a new form of cognitive exercise that has been shown to improve attention, memory, and other skills. The goal of mental training is to improve the function of the brain through a series of exercises that challenge the mind as well as improving other areas such as developing mental toughness, confidence, focus, and more. Mental training can be done with or without the help of a coach. There are plenty of online mental training programs out there that can help elite athletes start training specific skills, but some athletes are looking for a higher level of accountability that a coach can provide. There are many different types of mental training exercises, but they all have one thing in common: they are designed to challenge the brain and improve its function.
Mental training can be done on your own or with the help of a coach. If you decide to do mental training on your own, there are many resources available online that can help you get started. However, if you want to work with a coach, there are many benefits to working with someone who is experienced in mental training. A coach can help you customize a plan that is specifically designed to meet your needs and help you reach your goals.
Mental strength training can be beneficial for people of all ages. However, it is especially beneficial for children and teenagers, as their brains are still developing. The correct program can help them improve their focus and attention span, and it can also help them develop better problem-solving skills. There are also courses that have been specifically designed for elite athletes that are designed to improve their performance by helping them to focus on their game and to develop better strategies for dealing with adversity.
The Benefits Of Mental Training.
There are several benefits to using mental training to help you achieve peak performance. First, it helps people learn better by improving their ability to concentrate and pay attention. There was a time that coaches thought elite athletes either had these skills or did not. However, research clearly shows that attention and focus can be improved with training. Being able to concentrate on what you choose and ignore other distractions going on around you is incredibly helpful on the football field, basketball court, baseball and softball diamond, or even golf course.
Second, training your mind improves memory by using different parts of the brain to process information. When you work with a mental performance coach or go through an online mental training course, you will learn specific mental training exercises designed to improve memory. As you become better at using different parts of your brain to process information, your memory will improve. This is an important skill for any athlete, as it allows you to remember plays and strategies when you are in the heat of competition.
Third, it reduces stress and anxiety. It’s not uncommon for athletes to feel nervous before a big game or athletic competition. This is perfectly normal and can actually be helpful if it gives you the extra edge you need to perform at your best. However, if the anxiety is so strong that it interferes with your performance, it becomes a problem. An online course or coach can help you learn how to control your anxiety and use it to your advantage. Developing self-awareness, regaining control, and getting the right assistance network will not only improve the general well-being for high-performance athletes, but it will also help them achieve their potential.
Fourth, it improves mood and self-esteem. When you feel good about yourself, it shows in your performance. Mental tools and skills can help you develop a positive outlook on life and build self-confidence. Truly believing you have what it takes to be successful will help you perform at a higher level during competition and in your personal life. This positive attitude will carry over into your athletic performance and help you achieve success.
How To Start Training Mental Skills.
If you’re interested in starting a program, there are some things you should consider before you get started. First, speak with your primary care physician and ensure you’re not suffering from any medical condition that might affect your overall mental and physical health.
Second, make sure you‘ve got enough time to devote to your program. Just like you cannot expect to walk into the weight room and throw up a few bench press reps to improve your strength, mental performance training is a process and takes time. This is not a quick fix or a fast way to perform better instantly.
Third, ensure you“re willing to put in the effort required to see results. Like anything else in life, nothing worth having comes easy. Be prepared to work hard and devote time and energy to your mental training program. Having the right mindset and clear expectations for a mental training program is essential for success. Mental performance training is just like training a new skill, various techniques, or improving physical traits like strength or speed, and if you are not willing to put in the work...you will not see results.
Online Program vs. Working With A Mental Performance Coach
The field of sports psychology has made incredible progress over the years, and there are now many different ways to train mental skills. While some athletes prefer to work one-on-one with a mental performance coach, others find online programs to be more convenient and still incredibly effective. Online programs are also a much cheaper option in most cases but do not come with the same level of accountability that coaches can provide. There are certainly pros and cons for both:
Online Training Pros
Convenient: can be done from anywhere at any time
Inexpensive
Can provide a moderate level of customization based on the specific needs of the athlete
Progress can be easily tracked
Online Training Cons:
Lack of external accountability to maintain progress/complete program
Can be difficult to get the same level of support and guidance as working with a coach face-to-face
Working with a Mental Performance Coach Pros:
Mental performance coaches are highly trained professionals who have dedicated their careers to helping athletes improve their mental skills
The level of personalization and support is much higher than in online programs or self-study courses
Coaches hold athletes accountable and help to ensure they are progressing
Working with a Mental Performance Coach Cons:
More expensive
Requires meeting in person or video calls that must be scheduled
Not as flexible of session timing and duration as an online program
Ready To Learn More?
If you still have questions about your specific situation or want some advice from Ben Carnes, feel free to email him ben@mentaltrainingplan.com or call/text (317) 557-3022
Make your plan and put it to work!
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