The Skill of Weight Lifting

Learning to perform the barbell back squat is a specific skill, there is no transfer to other skills. If you suddenly stop performing the barbell back squat you will begin to lose the skills you acquired through training for the barbell back squat.

Strength gains are strength gains. Your body does not know or care about what is causing the resistance it has to overcome to get stronger. Whether it be a dumbbell, barbell, machine, or band, the only thing your body recognizes is the resistance against it. Your success will not be determined by the equipment you use, but rather by how you apply yourself to the training program.

Mental Focus & Concentration

Mental focus, concentration, and determination all mean the same thing: the ability to totally put your mind to the task you want to accomplish. You need to block out all distractions and other thoughts and focus solely on moving the weight. An important aspect to focus and concentration is visualization. Visualization can be separated into two components: one in which you see yourself performing the lift from your own eyes, and the other would be seeing yourself perform the lift as if you were watching a video of yourself. The ability to focus during your training is an acquired skill, you may already have it, but you may also have to develop the skill. Just like performing the movement, focus is a skill, if you don't use it, you will lose it.