Discover how mental preparation can transform athletes' performance with Jonathan Bel Legroux, mental preparation expert.
Tonight, we are pleased to welcome Jonathan Bel Legroux, director of the Institute of Mental Preparation. Jonathan, can you introduce yourself and explain what you do?
Of course! I am Jonathan Bel Legroux, a sports educator and mental coach. I have been working with young athletes and elite athletes, including those preparing for the Olympics, for 13 years. My goal is to demystify mental preparation and make it accessible to everyone, especially athletes.
Today's theme is about aligning the outer game with the inner game. We have noticed that many athletes suffer from emotional issues that affect their performance. By working on movement, we can improve their emotional state.
Indeed, working on movement helps enhance emotional well-being. I have an example in mind: a pole vaulter who had anxieties about her bar. By addressing her emotional state, she was able to unblock her movement and is now the French champion.
The mental coach must think about how to improve the athlete's movement. This involves working on their thoughts, beliefs, and emotions. At the same time, it is crucial to consider the outer game, such as visualizing performances.
There are many tools for mental preparation, such as sophrology, hypnosis, and meditation. Each has its usefulness, and it is important to combine them to cater to the specific needs of athletes.
When an athlete prepares for a competition, it is essential to choose the right technique according to their needs. For instance, hypnosis can be effective for emergency situations, while sophrology may be better suited for foundational work.
Before we conclude, Jonathan, do you have a practical tip that athletes could apply in their daily lives?
Yes, a simple exercise involves standing with feet shoulder-width apart, extending one arm, and turning while focusing on a reference point. Then, do it mentally, trying to go further than physically possible. This exercise demonstrates the importance of visualization in enhancing performance.
Thank you, Jonathan, for this informative discussion on mental preparation. Listeners can find you on the website of the Institute of Mental Preparation and on your social media. See you soon!
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