BITE DOWN
Think mouth guards are just for athletes? Researchers at the University of Connecticut found that clenching your teeth with a mouth guard can boost blood flow to areas of the brain associated with motor control and timing. This results in greater force production and a better workout.
PAY ATTENTION
Concentrating on the specific muscles you’re targeting – your pecs during a bench press, for example – can make them work 22 per cent harder, according to a study in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. Consider it one more reason to stay focused in the gym.
DRINK SOME COFFEE
Knocking back a couple of cups of coffee before you lift weights can help you bang out a few more reps, say researchers at the University of Rhode Island. The reason: caffeine inhibits the pain and fatigue signals that your muscles send to your brain, allowing you to train harder for longer.
