Just Imagining a Workout Can Make You Stronger

Automated excerpt

That’s what motor imagery is—just as visual imagery uses the same brain areas as visual perception, motor imagery tends to use the same brain areas responsible for moving your body. Because so many of the same neural and bodily areas are activated during motor imagery as actual movement, it stands to reason that mental practice can complement physical practice. Imagination is a form of self-deceit—a good portion of your brain reacts to your motor activity in the same way, whether the muscles are moving or not.

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