Got another nice little idea from Monty, one of our ninjas, the other day.
He works in staff development so often lets us know of ideas, approaches and techniques he’s come across that he thinks we might find useful.
Do you remember when you were learning to drive?
The instructor taught you both how to drive and how to pass the test.
When s/he first explained when to look in the rear view mirror, they asked “How will your assessor know you’re looking in the mirror?”
A quick glance isn’t really noticeable.
So we were taught to make a slightly exaggerated turn of the head towards the mirror – so the assessor could notice it.
It was also a good way to teach a new habit.
Start with an exaggerated version of a habit and, research shows, you’re much more likely to continue with the core habit.
You probably don’t turn your head towards the mirror anymore.
But, hopefully, you do glance at in on a regular basis.
Research shows it takes 3 days to develop a bad habit.
And at least 3 weeks to change it.
You can apply this concept to exercise.
When you do an exercise, make a conscious effort to ‘exaggerate’ the technique.
Make it as perfect as you can.
Really concentrate on getting everything in the right position – feet, knees, hips, shoulders, elbows, back, head, etc.
If you’re doing a session with us, really listen to the description of the exercise and do your best to do it exactly as described.
Really concentrate on activating the correct muscles.
Don’t think about just pushing / pulling / lifting.
But really try and contract the muscles that you’re trying to work.
If you do that now, there’s a good chance you’ll retain, at least, fairly good technique.
And the better your technique (if all else is equal) the better your results will be.
Much love,
Jon ‘Mirror, mirror on the wall, who is the henchest of them all?’ Hall and Matt ‘Not you Jon’ Nicholson
