Dr. Tommy Wood is a research assistant professor of Pediatrics and Neuroscience at the University of Washington whose research interests involve brain health, performance, and longevity. Furthermore, Tommy has coached and competed in multiple sports, including rowing, CrossFit, powerlifting, and ultra-endurance racing. He has also worked with Formula 1 athletes. In this episode, we discuss […]
Did you know that the way you speak to yourself can impact your athletic performance? Self-Talk refers to the internal dialogues we have to ourselves. In the paper, Self-Talk in Sport and Performance (2017), authors Judy L.Van Raalte and Andrew Vincent write that ‘In the research literature, both instructional and motivational self-talk have been shown […]
A successful athlete needs mental strength; the ability to overcome failure, navigate obstacles and perform well when faced with setbacks and injuries. The degree of mental toughness one has measures individual resilience and can predict success in sport. According to Solomon and Becker (2004), a resilient athlete can overcome setbacks, remain confident, and focus on […]
Many elite athletes such as Michael Phelps have used visualization techniques in preparation for competition. According to neuropsychological evidence, practicing visualization can help you achieve your sport performance goals. Visualization stimulates brain regions involved in movement rehearsal, priming the brain and body for action and, like physical practice, functions as training to improve real-life performance. […]
Exercise and fitness goals are among the top New Year’s resolutions set by people each year, but many people fail to achieve or follow through on their resolutions. People can fail to accomplish a goal for various reasons, including lacking the willpower to continue long-term, failing to make deliberate decisions, or forgetting about them altogether. […]