As explained in previous post, the pump is what gives an individual motivation to workout in the gym day in day out. But what is a pump good for, if you cannot see it? Hence, mirrors are a must have in every gym to admire one's physique or the lack of thereof.
Second set of barbell biceps curls, with 135lbs, an intense look into the mirror and there it is, in all its beauty, the pump. Suddenly, the weights seem to become a lot lighter, 25% lighter, to be exact.
This effect has been described by Russian scientists as the "Anti-Gravity-Mirror Effect".
Already, in the 1950's, when it became first necessary to measure Russia's strength on the world stage, it was hypothesized that the reflection of oneself, preferably by a mirror, increases strength by 15% - 30%.
Since then, gym mirrors have become a must for every gym around the world.
The "Anti-Gravity-Mirror Effect" is a psychological effect that leads the brain to believe, that the muscle, due to the size increase, is stronger than it actually is. This positive feedback loop activates more muscle cells, which in turn increase strength through increased intra- and inter-muscular coordination.
So next time you work out in a dark corner with a t-shirt on, remember, your pump is not only your motivation but the driving force for any improvement in the gym.
Now go ahead, rip that t-shirt off, and stand in a mirror room for your next set of curls.
Second set of barbell biceps curls, with 135lbs, an intense look into the mirror and there it is, in all its beauty, the pump. Suddenly, the weights seem to become a lot lighter, 25% lighter, to be exact.
This effect has been described by Russian scientists as the "Anti-Gravity-Mirror Effect".
Already, in the 1950's, when it became first necessary to measure Russia's strength on the world stage, it was hypothesized that the reflection of oneself, preferably by a mirror, increases strength by 15% - 30%.
Since then, gym mirrors have become a must for every gym around the world.
The "Anti-Gravity-Mirror Effect" is a psychological effect that leads the brain to believe, that the muscle, due to the size increase, is stronger than it actually is. This positive feedback loop activates more muscle cells, which in turn increase strength through increased intra- and inter-muscular coordination.
So next time you work out in a dark corner with a t-shirt on, remember, your pump is not only your motivation but the driving force for any improvement in the gym.
Now go ahead, rip that t-shirt off, and stand in a mirror room for your next set of curls.
Wow, just tried this myself and it actually works. Thanks for the insight Christian!
ReplyDeleteNo problem Ondrej.
ReplyDelete