At Infinite Mind, one of the core features of our reading training is the use of alternating speeds. You may notice that during your sessions, the pace of the text or objects on the screen shifts between slow, fast, and medium speeds. While this might feel challenging—sometimes even frustrating—there’s powerful science behind this method. In this post, we’ll explain why alternating speeds are essential for improving your reading skills and mental performance.

The Purpose of Alternating Speeds

Alternating the speed of reading exercises does more than just vary the pace:

• It pushes your brain out of its comfort zone, signaling that it needs to adapt and improve.

• It helps you build the ability to process information more rapidly and efficiently.

• It creates conditions for forming new, faster neural pathways that support quicker reading and stronger cognitive function.

Just like athletes train harder during practice to perform better during competition, alternating speeds helps condition your brain for peak performance when reading in real-world situations.

How Alternating Speeds Work

Slow Speed

The exercise starts at a slow, comfortable pace where you can follow along easily. This helps warm up your eyes and brain, and gives you a chance to focus on accuracy.

Fast Speed

Then, the pace accelerates—sometimes 2 to 3 times faster than your current reading speed. This is deliberately faster than you can realistically keep up with.
The goal isn’t to read perfectly at this speed! Instead:

• Keep your eyes moving.

• Try to keep up as best you can.

This rapid pace forces your brain to try processing information more quickly, pushing it to break old, inefficient habits.

Medium Speed

Finally, the exercise slows to a medium pace—faster than your starting speed but more manageable than the peak speed.
Here’s where the magic happens:

• You’ll find it easier to keep up.

• Your brain begins to solidify new, faster reading patterns.

Over time, this alternation between speeds helps lock in improvements and makes faster reading feel natural.

The Science Behind the Method

This method mirrors training techniques used by professional athletes:

• Baseball players practice with weighted bats so that their real swing feels lighter and more powerful.

• Basketball players train with ankle weights to build strength and jump higher when the weights are removed.

In the same way, when your brain trains at faster speeds, reading at normal or medium speeds becomes much easier and more efficient. You’re building “muscle memory” for your eyes and brain!

Tips for Success

• Don’t get discouraged when you can’t keep up at fast speeds—that’s expected!

• Focus on keeping your eyes moving and staying engaged.

• With regular practice, you’ll notice your comfort zone expanding as your reading speed improves.

The Big Picture

Alternating speeds is a powerful way to:

• Build faster reading skills

• Strengthen comprehension at higher speeds

• Stimulate your brain for whole-brain activation and better cognitive performance

Embrace the challenge—every session brings you closer to unlocking your reading potential!