people really underestimate the importance of mind-muscle connection in lifting. Just because you might have the physical strength to lift something doesn't actually mean you can lift it if it's an unfamiliar movement.
I remember reading a super long time ago someone who was a body builder said your brain gives off dopamine and stuff for eating a sandwich but being absolutely ripped doesn't even register as something for your brain, stuff just feels lighter.
interesting because as i’ve gotten stronger in the gym i’ve realized that having the strength to lift something doesn’t mean i want to lift it. like yeah i can bench 225x5 now but it takes more effort than when my max was 185x5. like my brain understands my body can lift it but my body is like that shit is heavy i really don’t want to. seems like it’s more of a mental battle as i’ve gotten stronger.
I never noticed that when I was lifting. Of course, my muscle strength outgrew my tendon strength and I tore my shoulder doing my first 300 pound rep. I got it back up. It hurt after. Then I played football two days later and exacerbated it to the point where I still don't have full range of motion back 15 years later.
Of course, I have always been work strong. My dad started taking me to help carry carpet and other flooring when I was 12. I was always big for my age and was probably the same height as my father. Hell, two years later, I easily beat him in arm wrestling. So, I was also carrying the heavy stuff while he took the lighter loads. Then, I did it professionally on my own for ten years before I ever started lifting.
Anyways, whatever I could do for say, eight reps.max felt the same whether it was 160 pounds or 250 pounds.
Applies to anything that requires dexterity imo, mind muscle connection is just the fancy name body builders have for it in the gym. Anytime you’re unfamiliar with something, it feels completely unnatural and disconnected. Driving a car, playing video games, boxing, etc etc.
The mind muscle connection these bodybuilders have is leagues above what the worker has. I’m pretty sure the bodybuilders can’t lift it because they are simply too big. The bags are much further out from their center of mass than the worker.
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u/mdkss12 Feb 25 '25
people really underestimate the importance of mind-muscle connection in lifting. Just because you might have the physical strength to lift something doesn't actually mean you can lift it if it's an unfamiliar movement.