Explanation of what is leveraged in tandem and why:
Auditory Stimuli: Binaural Beats
Definition: When signals of two different frequencies are presented separately (one to each ear) your brain detects the phase variation between the frequencies and tries to reconcile that difference. In doing so your brain creates its own third signal called a binaural beat; the two frequencies mesh in and out of phase, which is equal to the difference between those two frequencies.
Takeaway: You already have the headphones on, use this technology to your advantage and start manipulating your brain waves to work in your favor. Use a binaural beats app with your workout mix to aid you in achieving powerful states of energy, focused concentration, deep relaxation and more.
Takeaway: You already have the headphones on, use this technology to your advantage and start manipulating your brain waves to work in your favor. Use a binaural beats app with your workout mix to aid you in achieving powerful states of energy, focused concentration, deep relaxation and more.
Fast Paced Visual Stimuli
Examples: Sports highlights, videos of people lifting heavy weight, sprinters, boxing highlights. Simply viewing aggressive or intense activity will trigger an increase in energy and metabolic rate. You've already got a phone in your pocket, use it to your advantage.
Takeaway: Trick your brain into thinking you are actually there by using visual stimuli. It has a hard time distinguishing between reality and imagination. Don't believe me? Pull up a youtube video of free climbing and feel the physiological changes in your body.
Takeaway: Trick your brain into thinking you are actually there by using visual stimuli. It has a hard time distinguishing between reality and imagination. Don't believe me? Pull up a youtube video of free climbing and feel the physiological changes in your body.
Motivational Auditory Stimuli
Examples: Talk tracks from motivational videos, sports compilations, business speeches, etc.
Takeaway: Again, while you already have your headphones on, swap music with this and you will begin to positively program your subconscious. By only consuming inspirational content in conjunction with an action taking behavior (physical exercise), you are creating a Pavlov-ish, classical conditioning effect. This also helps eliminate the cheesy or preachy feel that can come with consuming this content at the wrong time.
Don't fret though, in Phase 2, I encourage you to mix back in the music that gets you fired up.
Takeaway: Again, while you already have your headphones on, swap music with this and you will begin to positively program your subconscious. By only consuming inspirational content in conjunction with an action taking behavior (physical exercise), you are creating a Pavlov-ish, classical conditioning effect. This also helps eliminate the cheesy or preachy feel that can come with consuming this content at the wrong time.
Don't fret though, in Phase 2, I encourage you to mix back in the music that gets you fired up.
Pre-Workout Supplement
This is just another controllable aspect I use to ensure achieving a peak state. Use your own discretion when it comes to supplements. My two favorite brands from a quality and transparency perspective are Jym and Quest.
Video Display
9 times out of 10 I use my phone display. If available, stream your youtube playlist on a mounted TV where you are working out. This will enhance the visual stimuli effect.
Apparel
I'm a big fan of using the hoodie (and long pants) in all workouts (yes even in summer).
Why?
1) Create the most difficult environment possible while working out. This helps the body physically adapt and become more efficient at dealing with stress.
2) Reminder to focus on the bigger picture. Getting in shape and looking good naked is a great byproduct of the hard work, but it shouldn't be at the top of the list. Covering up your body helps to reaffirm this.
Why?
1) Create the most difficult environment possible while working out. This helps the body physically adapt and become more efficient at dealing with stress.
2) Reminder to focus on the bigger picture. Getting in shape and looking good naked is a great byproduct of the hard work, but it shouldn't be at the top of the list. Covering up your body helps to reaffirm this.
Sauna
Saunas have numerous health benefits including detoxification, increased HGH levels, improved injury recovery time, increased endurance, and the list goes on. I always do my final phase of Aggressive Meditation in a sauna since I have one at my gym.
The Tools for Aggressive Meditation
Required:
Recommended:
- Headphones (preferably wireless)
- Binaural Beats app
- Spotify or other streaming music service
- Youtube app to create custom playlist
- Your “Why”: 1 Fitness goal & 1 Personal goal (ex. Build muscle & Promotion at work)
Recommended:
- Apparel: Hoodie & Athletic Pants
- Sauna: both dry and steam are effective
- TV: Display for video portion
- Room with mirror
- Supplement: 1 serving pre-workout
