Visualization

Using visualization seems to be a common practice among elite athletes.  It's never really been clear to me why it works (or if it works), but based on the anecdotal evidence of so many greats, it is hard to ignore.

Tonya Nascimento of Swimming World wrote an interesting article this week, diving into a scientific discussion of why visualization works.  She has lots of tips, and practical advice on how to incorporate it into your swimming.  It's still not clear to me that we really understand how and why it works, but it certainly seems like a good idea.

A prime benefit of using our swimming video analysis service is self-awareness that comes from seeing your self perform, in the third person.  It is almost like you are floating above the pool, watching yourself perform.  The first step in improving in anything is understanding what you are doing.  The next step is visualizing what you should be doing.  Imagine if you could do this in all parts of your life.

Here's a interesting excerpt from Tonya's article.

"Have you ever woken up confused or in a panic as a result of what you were dreaming? The images in your dream were real enough to cause emotional and autonomic nervous system changes. The mind cannot distinguish between an event vividly imagined and one that actually occurred.

That effect means you can practice in your mind and actually send chemical signals (called neurotransmitters) through your brain and nervous system making the same connections as if you were to physically practice. The signals are not as strong, of course, and that is why mental practice cannot replace physical practice, but it sure can enhance it. Furthermore, you can practice skills and outcomes that you have not yet actually experienced. This creates the connections in your brain and nervous system so that physical execution becomes easier later."

 

Read the entire article on Swimming World