If spring hasn’t already come to your part of the country, hopefully it will arrive soon. And with it lots of time to enjoy the outdoors. For many athletes and sports enthusiasts that means spring training begins. But you don’t have to be a triathlete to take advantage of the benefits setting fitness goals and staying active.

Research shows that visualization, guided imagery and mental rehearsal are effective techniques in improving sports and physical performance. Whether you are training for a marathon or developing a routine yoga practice, you can benefit from using your mind to support your body’s endeavors.

The brain does not distinguish between real images and imagined ones. It responds similarly to both – releasing hormones and chemicals accordingly. Visualizing a successful outcome – crossing the finish line at a race or becoming a more flexible yogi – trains your body and mind to respond to the feelings experienced when you “see” that goal accomplished.

To learn more, check out the resources below and be sure to download Empoword’s free Fitness Goal Success Sheet – a simple step-by-step worksheet that will have you manifesting your fitness goals like never before:

Empoword Fitness Goal Success Sheet

about.com – basic information and links to get you started.

Psychology Today – a recent article on the efficacy of mental practice.

Empoword co-founder and marathoner/triathlete, Wendy Lutter, recommends these two books:
In Pursuit of Excellence and Mental Training for Peak Performance

And if you happen to overdo it, click here to check out a study on use of imagery and injured athletes.