by Last Updated on April 16, 2024 by Avia
Regular exercise is crucial for your long-term health and well-being. In fact, working up a sweat can lower your risk of early death, depression, and dementia by 30% while improving your mood, boosting your self-confidence, and increasing your energy levels. But what if you could elevate your fitness routine with mindful movement techniques?
Starting a fitness routine doesn’t have to infringe on the time you usually spend on mindfulness and meditation, either. In fact, research from the University of Bath suggests that combining mindfulness with exercise can help you become fitter while feeling healthier and happier.
Taking a mindful approach to movement can be motivating, too. This is crucial if you usually find that your passion for fitness fizzles out after a few weeks of hitting the gym or jogging on your local pathways. Mindful movement techniques encourage flexibility and ensure that you will look forward to each workout.
Moving Better
If you’re a fitness enthusiast, you may be tempted to work as hard as possible in the gym, on the bike, or at your yoga mat. However, mindful movement isn’t about moving more; it’s about moving better. This is a core component of popular exercise regimes like Pilates, which encourages precise, mindful movement for physical wellness.
Starting a fitness routine like Pilates can help you move with a conscious awareness of your physical condition. This can be powerful when performing moves like abdominal scooping and the lower lift. Moving with great intention will help you free up tight muscles and result in deep core activation. This can alleviate lower back pain and help you move through life with greater physical and mental freedom.
Mindful movement doesn’t necessarily require deep bends and challenging core holds, either. Walking meditation has roots in Buddhism and can be a great way to move your body while improving your mental and spiritual health. Examples of walking meditation include:
- Kinhin
- Theravada
- Vipassana
These techniques help you feel grounded in the present moment and bring awareness to the here and now. This can be powerful if you’ve been feeling overwhelmed at work or are stressed due to challenges in your personal life. Even a 15-minute Theravada-inspired mindful walk can clear your mind and help you get more from your fitness routine.
Working Out at Home
You don’t have to sign up for a gym membership or a spin class to enjoy the benefits of mindful movement. If you’re a busy professional, consider setting up a workout space at home. This will increase your chances of exercising regularly and help you find time to unwind after you finish work for the day.
If you work from home, consider setting up your home gym in an ancillary space like your garage. This will create a powerful mental divide between your workspace and your home gym area. You needn’t break the bank on treadmills and weights, either. Instead, consider opting for popular home workouts and fitness classes like:
- Yoga for strength like Ashtanga and Vinyasa
- Plyometrics to build balance and flexibility
- Family-oriented workouts to build up a sweat with loved ones
- Dance-based fitness classes designed to aid self-expression
These fitness classes blend physical exercise with self-expression, mental reflection, and inner balance. They require minimal equipment and won’t wipe you out for the rest of the day. Many of these fitness classes will help you build skills that increase your self-esteem, too. For example, engaging in daily dance classes can help you tone up physically while you gain skills like pirouettes, piqué turns, or passé. This can support your mental health and help you get more from your new hobby.
Wrapping Up With Meditation
Approaching movement with mindfulness doesn’t mean that you have to swap dumbbells and free weights for yoga mats and nasal breathing. In truth, mindful exercise is all about changing the way you think about fitness, rather than changing the kind of fitness routine that you enjoy.
Embracing mindfulness techniques and meditation can be particularly beneficial if you have a physically demanding hobby like bodybuilding, running, or weightlifting. During the course of a rigorous workout, you might be apt to experience a spike in stress levels due to the demands that you’re placing on yourself. While this can lead to physical adaptation and mental growth, it’s important to unwind and reflect properly if you want to enjoy all the benefits of mindful movement.
When your workout comes to a close, avoid the temptation to bundle straight into the car and drive home. Instead, set aside 5 – 10 minutes to cool down mentally and physically. During this time, you can complete some light stretching or sit with your back to a wall. Consider closing your eyes, and bringing your focus inwards. This will help you practice mindfulness and will give you a chance to reflect on the positives that you can take from your recent training session. If you’re new to the idea of meditation, start with a simple exercise like:
- Sit somewhere comfortable with your back against a solid wall or chair
- Drop your chin and allow your eyes to close if comfortable
- Begin by counting your breaths up to 10 and back down again
- Allow your mind to wander, but try to refocus on your breath whenever possible
These steps will bring you back to the present moment and help you leave your workout feeling positive and fulfilled. This can be transformative if you’re used to hustling between appointments and do not usually take time for yourself between workouts. If meditation isn’t your thing, consider keeping a journal nearby and jot down your thoughts, feelings, and emotions after your training session has concluded. This can help you notice your progress and will bring a sense of mindfulness to your practice.
Conclusion
Incorporating mindfulness into your fitness routine can boost your mental health and spark a period of self-growth and discovery. Mindful movement techniques can help you overcome injury and build a resilient, positive mindset, too. If you’re new to the idea of exercising for mindfulness, start with simple fitness regimes like mindful walks, guided Pilates, or dance classes. This will help you build your confidence while improving your physical health and wellness.
About the Author: Ainsley Lawrence is a writer who loves to talk about good health, balanced life, and better living through technology. She is frequently lost in a good book.
