Great psychological lifting tip.

[abadseal]

I was in the gym yesterday and just about to start a 20 rep set of squats when I got the idea to start counting down from 20 instead of up from 1. I was using a weight that was 10 lbs higher than the week before which I managed to only get 17 with. I always strive for as many reps as humanly possible in the desired rep range but sometimes my mind calls it quits before my body does (mind over muscle) no matter how hard I push. Anyway this worked surprisingly well for me. Just though someone else might benefit from it.

 

[oldfella]

When I'm on my heavy sets and near failure I keep repeating over and over it's one at a time baby, one at a time! And before you realize it you have done your set. It is mind over matter, If you don't mind, it don't matter. Good one Abad.

 

[Diesel250]

Count 1-5 over and over. Works well

 

[Str8jacked]

work!

For me, Have someone else count so it's there in the background, get tight in the zone and just repeat Work...Work...Work screaming in your mind each rep.

 

[Big Danny]

A, if it is working for you psichologicaly counting this way , just go for it.But instead I would go heavier for less reps.

 

[VNV]

I was in the gym yesterday and just about to start a 20 rep set of squats when I got the idea to start counting down from 20 instead of up from 1. I was using a weight that was 10 lbs higher than the week before which I managed to only get 17 with. I always strive for as many reps as humanly possible in the desired rep range but sometimes my mind calls it quits before my body does (mind over muscle) no matter how hard I push. Anyway this worked surprisingly well for me. Just though someone else might benefit from it.

Awesome idrea. Haven't tried it yet, but I'm already very thankful you pointed this out. If you're aiming for 8 - 12 reps (for example), anything in the 8 - 12 range is fine. BUT, if you're counting down, you HAVE TO get to rep 1. This sounds like a great psychological trick. Can't wait to give it a try.