Exercise Imagery Use in Recreational Weightlifters
Date of Award
Spring 6-10-2016
Document Type
Masters Research Paper
Degree Name
M.A. in Sport & Performance Psychology
Organizational Unit
Graduate School of Professional Psychology
First Advisor
Jamie Shapiro
Second Advisor
Ian Palombo
Copyright Statement / License for Reuse

All Rights Reserved.
Keywords
Exercise imagery, Visualization, Weightlifting, Appearance, Technique, Energy
Abstract
The current study explored exercise imagery use in recreational weightlifters. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 7 participants. Participants were recreational weightlifters, recruited via convenience sampling. All participants had to be over the age of 18, averaging three or more times a week of lifting weights for more than a year. Participants were not involved in a structured exercise program, training for sport or competition of any kind. Interviews explored current exercise routines, the participants’ knowledge of imagery, and their current use of imagery. Results revealed that all participants utilized at least one form of exercise imagery (appearance, technique, or energy) either before or during their workout in different capacities. Participants expressed that through their previous sport background and their particular current goals, they utilize exercise imagery for weightlifting whether it has become subconscious or intentional. Participants’ interviews revealed that they all implemented technique exercise imagery. Energy imagery was used second most frequently and appearance imagery was used least frequently. The findings may help educate professionals in the strength and conditioning and sport fields along with athletes and recreational weightlifters on the implementation of exercise imagery and its use for performance enhancement.
Copyright Date
5-2016
Publication Statement
Copyright is held by the author. Permanently suppressed.
Rights Holder
Lauren Ruhl, Anna Luber, and Brian Missirlian
Provenance
Received from Authors
File Format
application/pdf
Language
English (eng)
Extent
37 pgs
Recommended Citation
Ruhl, Lauren; Luber, Anna; and Missirlian, Brian, "Exercise Imagery Use in Recreational Weightlifters" (2016). Graduate School of Professional Psychology: Doctoral Papers and Masters Projects. 199.
https://digitalcommons.du.edu/capstone_masters/199