Mood plays a big role in how accurately athletes can estimate their reps in reserve during workouts. Reps in reserve means how many more repetitions someone thinks they can do before reaching muscle failure. When someone feels good, calm, or motivated, they tend to judge their remaining reps more accurately. Their mind is clear, and they can focus on how their body feels, which helps them make better decisions about when to stop or push harder.
On the other hand, if someone is feeling anxious, stressed, or down, their judgment can be off. Negative moods can make it harder to pay attention to physical signals. They might think they have more reps left than they actually do, or they might stop too soon because they feel overwhelmed. This happens because stress and negative emotions can cloud thinking and make it harder to stay present during exercise.
When people are in a positive mood, they are more likely to use helpful mental strategies. They might use positive self-talk, like telling themselves “I can do this,” which helps them stay focused and confident. This kind of thinking supports better control over their movements and helps them listen to their body more closely. In contrast, negative moods can lead to harsh self-criticism or defeatist thoughts, which can increase anxiety and reduce confidence. This makes it harder to judge how much effort is left in the tank.
Physical and mental states are closely linked. When someone feels emotionally stable, their body responds better to training demands. They can regulate their breathing, maintain concentration, and keep their movements steady. This emotional control helps them estimate their reps in reserve more accurately. When mood is unstable, these skills can suffer, leading to less precise judgments and potentially less effective workouts.
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