Experienced tower runners know that this game is at least 70% mental. The top 5 in the world know how to play this game well and how to override some of the systems in the brain and the body so they can keep going. The rest of us are still learning. This may be why some of the best tower runners are in their late 30′s and even 40′s – because it takes time to learn these methods and develop mental toughness.
Understanding the mind-body connection is helpful to develop these mental skills faster. This post is the first step to that end.
While it’s an overstatement to say that muscle fatigue may all be in a person’s head, a series of studies suggests that the body’s cue to slow down during tiring physical activities does start there.
It is known that the extent to which people can use their muscles voluntarily depends on motivation as well as the physical condition and level of fatigue of the muscles. But less is known about the specific mechanisms involved involved with the sensation of fatigue.
While most research to date on muscle fatigue has studied muscle tissue itself, a series of studies by the University of Zurich has shifted the focus to include the brain, as well. The researchers say the studies show a link between (more…)
Most people who push hard in a stair race get a nasty cough afterward. Sometimes it lasts for a few minutes and other times it can last for a few days. The common assumption is that the air quality in the stairwell is less than optimal, with dust and/or stale air cited as the likely culprits.