See the ball, be the ball! Heard that before? See the muscle, feel the muscle. Bet you have not heard that one. Before a muscle can develop you have to feel it move. It is more about feeling the muscle work through the minds eye than the weight itself. The ultimate goal is to be able to do your entire workout in your head and with your eyes closed.

Winning competitions is also about timing. Four months prior to the 1988. Jr. Mr. Michigan bodybuilding championships I wrote on a piece of paper, I am Mr. Michigan This allowed my minds eye to visualize it and help it come to pass. The day of my competition was the best shape I had ever been in. The power of visualizing and writing became my minds eyes reality. Never underestimate the power of seeing things first.

Here are some visualization techniques to help you get closer in becoming a champion:

Pre-Workout Exercise:

Each time you go to the gym exercise your mind before you enter the place. Go over your entire workout in your mind first.

Pre-Set Exercise:

Before every set take a few extra seconds to go through every rep of that set in your mind. You may be surprised what this can do for muscle growth.

Blind Sets:

Depending upon which exercise it is, try closing your eyes while you perform a set. This forces you to feel the weight more.

What ever technique you use is up to you just remember though, before you achieve something you have to see it in your head.