✨ Episode Notes — “Unlocking the Mind-to-Muscle Connection: The Secret to Better Workouts”

What if your brain—not your muscles—is the true key to transforming your workouts? In today’s episode, Dr. Carley breaks down the science behind the mind-to-muscle connection and how you can use it to get stronger, move better, and maximize every rep.

🎧 Listen now to learn how your brain controls movement, why intentional focus changes results, and how small mental shifts can dramatically improve performance—without lifting heavier weights.

🌟 In This Episode You’ll Learn:

• What actually happens in your body when your brain tells a muscle to move
• Why focusing differently during a workout can instantly improve results
• The difference between internal focus (for hypertrophy) and external focus (for performance and strength)
• How visualizing your reps can increase muscle activation
• Why self-talk and cue words like “strong and smooth” affect performance
• The role of motor imagery, EMG, and tactile cueing
• How the brain’s neural pathways adapt when you train with intention
• Small mental adjustments that deliver BIG workout improvements

💡 Try This: Your Mind-to-Muscle Challenge

In your next workout, pick ONE technique from this episode and apply it:

• Internal focus (e.g., “squeeze the bicep”)
• External focus (e.g., “curl the bar to my shoulder”)
• Motor imagery during rest
• Self-talk or cue phrases
• Tactile cueing

Then share your experience with us on Instagram: @reactivept.ut Dr. Carley would love to hear which strategy you tried—and what changed.