Implementing mindfulness into your fitness routine
Author: Bella Birkeland
Everyday life can sometimes get the better of us and take time away from ourselves. Implementing mindfulness in a common routine such as exercising, can be a great way to become more aware of both the mind and body.
Have you considered adding mindfulness to your fitness routine? It’s actually not as difficult as you think! Not only beneficial to your consciousness but also beneficial physically to your body. Especially when we feel busier than ever, it’s essential to take time to be mindful of your mind and body.
One of the major benefits is just taking time for yourself and having the intention of focusing on your workout and yourself. That benefit also extends to reducing stress, something we can all benefit from. A small study even showed that this method of exercising can improve sleep and even decrease anxiety. It’s the intention and purpose that is so important that allows you to be more mindful in your exercise routine. Leaving you with a higher commitment to exercise and even more satisfaction with your workout. Overall it offers a great routine of positive health behavior physically and mentally.
After reading this you may be thinking, “all these benefits sound great, but how could I start?”. Before jumping in, I think a great way to start is to try smaller mindful exercises to become more familiar with your own method of mindfulness before fully implementing it into your routine. Such as utilizing mindfulness in your stretching routine before a workout is a great way to practice and find your footing. A good place to start is with Mindful, this particular page offers some great stretches and mini mindfulness exercises to try. As you allow yourself to develop familiarity, you can implement mindfulness in your everyday routine.
The first step to applying mindfulness to your fitness routine is recognizing purpose. Put your intent into your workout and recognize why you’re exercising. The main reason why is to avoid working out on “autopilot”, a workout without focus.
Secondly, slow down and pay attention to your body. How are you holding your form? What is the rhythm you are following? Can you feel the muscles you are using? These are some examples of questions that give focus on your body’s current state.
Additionally taking notice of your surroundings in connection with their impact on you. I also recommend that it would be beneficial to practice mindfulness exercises in a place that is comfortable to allow you to maintain a connection with yourself.
It’s also important to remember to take notice when your mind drifts and that it's okay to take a pause in order to recenter yourself. It is by being purposeful of yourself that brings mindfulness in the routine of your mind and body that can be implemented from low to high-intensity workouts.
The mindful movement is immensely popular and offers great benefits mentally and physically. It’s a great way to reconnect yourself and your workouts in a purposeful way. As a very personal experience, it’s important to integrate your own spin on mindfulness fitness that best fits you that allows for growth and personalization.
Mindfulness fitness is something everyone can enjoy from the fitness fanatic to someone just starting a workout routine. Even as someone who can get easily caught up in the busyness of life, this method offers a true mind and body balance that I am definitely wanting to add to my own routine as well.