If It’s Good Enough for the Pros, It’s Good Enough for You: How to Train Your Brain Like an Athlete
You’ve probably been told to warm up your muscles before a workout, a big day on the tools, or even a weekend weeding blitz. But what if we told you that your mind needs a warm-up too?
Turns out, the world’s top athletes - from Olympic sprinters to AFL legends - have a secret weapon that gives them an edge before they ever move a muscle: visualisation.
It’s less hogwash and more neuroscience than you realise. And it works.
Studies have shown that mental rehearsal activates the same neural pathways as physical movement. In fact, a 2014 meta-analysis published in Neuropsychologia found that athletes who used visualisation as part of their training saw improvements in performance comparable to those who physically practiced. Translation? You can literally train your brain to move better, feel stronger, and stay safer - without even lifting a finger (yet).
So whether you’re running laps, loading boxes, or prepping for a big gym session, this is your sign to get that noggin involved first.
Visualisation 101: What It Actually Is (and Isn’t)
Visualisation (or motor imagery, if you want to sound fancy) is basically you running through a task in your mind before you physically do it. You picture it. You feel it. You hear it. You rehearse success. This is not about wishful thinking. It’s a brain hack that conditions your nervous system, improves coordination, and preps your body for action - especially when injury prevention is key.
All you need is a few focused moments before you move.
How Magic Rub Plays a Role in the Ritual
Now here’s where things get really juicy.
Habits stick when they have a ritual. That mental and physical cue that says, "Alright, body, it’s go time."
Enter: Magic Rub.
We know, not all heroes wear capes.
Made from 100% organic aloe vera and a powerhouse blend of essential oils including Kunzea, German Chamomile, and Peppermint, Magic Rub isn't just your go-to for pain relief. It’s a ritual in a bottle. That moment you rub it into your calves, shoulders, or knees? That’s your cue. The smell hits. The sensation kicks in. Your brain switches on.
Suddenly, you're not just stretching or cracking your neck. You're prepping for greatness. You’re activating those mental pathways while priming your muscles to move well and recover better.
The Science of Mental Rehearsal: It’s Not Just in Your Head
A study from The Journal of Sports Sciences found that athletes who visualised proper form before performing a high-skill movement (like a golf swing or a clean and jerk) had better technique and fewer injuries.
Another study from Psychology of Sport and Exercise showed that mental imagery increased both strength and flexibility in participants, even without any physical training.
That’s wild. Your brain literally believes you’re doing the thing, so it starts rewiring and prepping accordingly.
And the best part? Anyone can use it. Even YOU!
Try This: Your Pre-Movement Visualisation Routine
Rub on your Magic Rub Target any niggles, tight spots, or areas you’re about to use. Let the smell anchor you. Let the tingles tune you in.
Close your eyes for 30 seconds Get quiet. No phone. No playlist. Just breathe.
Picture yourself doing the movement See it clearly. Are you running with great form? Lifting smoothly? Getting through the full set with ease?
Layer in sensation Feel your muscles switch on. Sense your breathing. Hear your own encouragement: "Let’s go. You’ve got this."
Feel the finish You nailed it. No strain, no injury, just clean, confident movement. You’re done and proud. You did the thing.
When to Use This
Before a run
Pre-lift or workout
Before tackling a big garden job or house project
On a worksite
When you're about to chase your kids around the trampoline park like a legend
Bonus: It Makes You More Confident
When you take a few seconds to mentally rehearse your movement, you’re not just reducing injury risk—you’re telling your nervous system, "I’m safe. I’m ready."
That changes everything.
You show up more focused. More relaxed. Less prone to panic, jerky movements, or hesitation. All of which are prime injury territory.
The Takeaway
Magic Rub isn’t just for after you’re sore. It’s part of the mindset shift that says:
“I’m taking care of this body now. I’m preparing it. I’m respecting it.”
So next time you’re tempted to go from zero to 100, take a beat.
Rub. Visualise. Activate. Then go do your thing.
Because the smartest kind of movement? Starts in your mind.