Performance from the Neck Up: How the Brain Drives Athletic Success

How much of athletic performance is directly attributable to the brain?

This was the central question addressed in my talk “Performance from the Neck Up” here in Charlotte, NC at USA Triathlon & USA Cycling’s Endurance Exchange. 

Such a positive and engaged audience in attendance! Thank you to all who made the effort to be there on a late Saturday afternoon.

A few key points:

• Based on an abundance of data from medical science, up to half of our response to training, nutritional, recovery protocols etc. is likely due to our beliefs, expectations, and perceptions about their effectiveness.
• These beliefs, expectations, perceptions, etc. are every bit as physiologically based as the circulation of your blood, your breathing, digestion, and so forth.
• Disregarding these brain effects as “fake” is utter nonsense.
• As a result of this outdated thinking, those seeking optimal performance in sport, work, or life more generally are sacrificing opportunities for far more than marginal gains.

Interested in learning more? Complete the form on my web page and I will happily email you a summary of my presentation, including all references.