Hypnosis has long been used as a means of enhancing sports performance, and a growing body of research supports its efficacy. A study published in the journal "Applied Cognitive Psychology" found that cyclists who received hypnosis prior to a race completed the race faster and with greater power output than those who did not receive hypnosis. In addition, a study published in the journal "Clinical Psychology Review" found that hypnosis can be an effective way to improve golf performance. These findings suggest that if you're looking to up your game, hypnosis may be worth considering.

What is hypnosis?

Hypnosis is a a natural, yet altered state of mind where you have communication and responsiveness with your subconscious mind. It's characterized by an extended period of intense concentration and physical relaxation. Because the subconscious mind creates and holds beliefs, tapping into this creative and powerful part of your deep inner mind allows you to make powerful transformations that work for your highest interest. The hypnotherapist will assist you in reaching this state in order to deliver positive suggestions, affirmations and ideas directly into your subconscious mind.

While in the hypnotic state, your hypnotherapist will begin to work with you on changing habits and behaviors that may be getting in the way of your sports performance goals. When we're under hypnosis, our subconscious minds absorb information quickly and readily accepts new suggestions because we don't have our  usual inhibitions. This is a good thing, because hypnosis is a powerful means of changing the way you think about yourself and your abilities. 

Why hypnosis is effective in improving an athlete's performance. 

Research has shown hypnosis to be a safe and effective way to help athletes train harder, faster and better. In addition, hypnosis can help athletes break through barriers that have held them back from reaching their full potential. For example, hypnotherapy can help an athlete overcome a history of failure or fears that may be preventing him from achieving their goals.

Hypnosis empowers the athlete by eliminating self-doubt and limiting beliefs that can get in the way of high performance. Athletes who have used hypnosis to improve their performance have continued to reach new milestones, many of which they never thought were possible before hypnosis. Some examples of this include sprinters who have broken through personal bests after hypnosis, golfers who have shot below par for their first time ever under hypnosis, and cyclists who have broken records on the cycling track.

In fact, Athletes who have publicly acknowledged using hypnosis include Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Tom Landry, Andy Pettitte, Charles Barkley and even Michael Jordan.

How hypnosis works for sports performance.

The hypnotherapist can work with you using hypnosis to eliminate self-doubts as well as negative thoughts and feelings that may be holding you back from achieving your sports goals. Hypnosis for athletes helps them tap into their peak emotional and physical states by providing a means of controlling how they feel, think and act in the moment.

Benefits of hypnosis for sports performance

Hypnosis allows you to tap into your subconscious mind where you can make new changes to belief systems that have been impeding your success. Hypnosis helps athletes get into 'the zone' more easily, relieving them  of their stress and anxieties. In addition, hypnotherapy for sports performance has been shown to  change your responses to stress and anxiety, which is very important for athletes because these emotions cause physical tension that can make even the most well-coached athlete perform at sub-optimum levels. Using hypnosis also helps reduce unnecessary mental chatter, which allows you to focus more of your energy on performing effectively rather than worrying about what's going on around you.

While hypnosis has been used by professional athletes for several decades, it continues to be a well-kept secret  among sports professionals. If hypnosis is something you'd like to try, it's important to find a hypnotherapist who has experience in working with athletes. A qualified hypnotherapist will leave no stone unturned when helping you work through your sports performance goals  and will do all they can to help you develop the mental skills that  will help you excel .