What is brainbuilding and why should you do it?

You might think you use your muscles to achieve your fitness goals. That is of course true, but we do not always take into account the extent of the influence of our brains in this process.

Every movement starts with an impulse that comes from the brain, but in addition to the fact that our brain simply controls the body, it can also help us a lot – or controversially get in the way of achieving your goals.

You may have heard of affirmations: short, uplifting phrases you say to yourself to make your life a little better. Perhaps a little too 'flozy' for the sober athlete, but the effect of this can actually be explained very logically. Our bodies are programmed to react a certain way to certain situations. For example, the 'cheer' pose (hands in the air and chest out) is an automatic movement that somebody makes after a victory, as seen in sports. This pose is linked in our brain with positive thoughts and hormones, which means that even doing this pose for no reason can have a positive effect on our condition. On the other hand, a 'lost' posture (slumped shoulders, head down, chest inward) can have a negative effect. Studies have shown that this can literally take your mood and wellbeing down.

Laughter or smiling, even if it is fake, is also linked with positivity and can therefore, on bad days, be used to feel better again. Our body listens to our brains, so by steering your brain towards a positive direction you can help yourself. In other words: be nice and positive to yourself during a workout. If you think 'I can't do it, I'm weak and unfit', that will certainly not help you in your energy. However, if you think 'I'm strong, I can do this, I'm fit!' you may be amazed at what you can achieve.

So, show a little love for yourself, even if it is only in your thoughts. Try it out!