Does hypnotism boost athletic performance?

Lots of cyclists and other athletes point out the importance of having the right mind, or mental game, to succeed.

Ultimate Sports Psychology is one of the sponsors of the American continental Wonderful Pistachios Pro Cycling Team (click on the sponsor tab of their website and your mouth will start to water). The company markets hypnosis CDs to a variety of clients, including cyclists. Ultimate Sports Psychology’s founder, Josh Horowitz, says on the company’s website that his program has “helped athletes to over 40 National and World Championship titles including three wins at the Tour of California.”

Here’s a sample of what’s available. Do you think hypnosis can help an athlete — counting yourself — improve?