M.E SCIENCE
POWER OF THE MIND
D
r Collins also singled out the power
of the mind when it comes to
performance and how it relates to gifted
athletes.
“Regarding psychology, this is a huge
component of all sport. Athletes who have
trained better and are better genetically
prepared may have reason to be in a better
psychological space, but this does not
necessarily apply. A lesser athlete who is
psychologically superior may well be more
successful,” he explains.
A lot has been made about the mind games and issues between Phil Heat h and Kai
Greene. Look at this quote from Heath after
taking the Olympia last year:
“You ain’t cocky if you complete the task.
If I say I’m going to win and then I win, that’s
not cocky. That’s just telling it like it is. I
refuse to let anyone discredit my hard work
and talent. I refuse to do that any more.
I’m a three-time Mr. Olympia. I deserve his
respect. (See more at: http://www.flexonline.
com/general-news/gift-speaks-out#sthash.
X9LenfKO.dpuf )
Now read Dr Collins’ quote again:
Vusumzi Njisane Mdu Green
Marius Dohne
CONCLUSION
S
o what is the take home point? Is it a
case of when talent works hard then
the rest may as well not bother pitching
up? Of course not. The best do not always
win. Waiting in the wings is the guy who is
gifted but not necessarily drowning in talent,
who has worked his butt off, lurking and
prowling and the minute the champion gets
something wrong he will pounce.
And so when it comes to us – the guy who
packs on muscle just by lifting his shopping
packet will always
pack on muscle much
faster than us. There
is nothing we can do
about that. But he may
also struggle to carve
out the separation that
comes easier to others.
He may wish for your
feathered striations.
Conversely, the guy
who has perfect lines
across his muscle
bellies may struggle to
build the mass required
to dominate.
28
Muscle Evolution
Phil Heath
“Regarding psychology, this is a huge
component of all sport. Athletes who have
trained better and are better genetically
prepared may have reason to be in a better
psychological space.” This is not to say that
Heath will not be beaten in the future, but it
explains what people may call his arrogance.
It is psychological strength based on his
genetic superiority coupled with his very
hard work.
Let’s have a look at some bodybuilders
who are genetically gifted, who have overall
beautiful packages.
Ronnie Coleman
Flex Wheeler
“If you work with what you have, and
give it all you can, and do whatever it
takes to reach your dream, then that
makes you pretty damn special.”
THERE CAN ONLY BE ONE
A
t the end of the day, hard work, smart training, science and nutrition, and
perseverance is going to turn us into the best physical specimens we can
become. That is better than 98% of the people we will meet in our daily lives. The
2% better than us will win the local titles. The 1% better than them will win the national
titles. Of those, the best will make it to the Pro circuit and then only one man in any
given year will win Mr Olympia. Like the reality TV show Idols, thousands will turn into
dozens, will turn into a handful, will turn into one.
Think of the boy in Austria who made it through all the levels mentioned above to
become the greatest bodybuilder of his time and the man who took bodybuilding out of
small, dark gyms and planted it in the imaginations of millions around the world.
At any point in time there is going to be that special one... could it be you?
If it is not you, and you work with what you have, and give it all you can, and do
whatever it takes to reach your dream, then that makes you pretty damn special too –
and we have said it before and we will say it again: that is why bodybuilding builds such
mental fortitude. M.E
Disclaimer: Muscle Evolution does not condone nor promote the use of performance-enhancing drugs
and steroids. The information in this article is provided solely for the purpose of fostering a clearer
understanding through education, allowing readers to make informed and responsible decisions.