At a time when millions of people feel too busy to be healthy, scheduling quality ‘me-time’ has never been more important. That’s why mindful workouts are one of the hottest fitness topics for 2024.
In a nutshell, mindful workouts are exercise sessions that integrate mindfulness practices to create a calming experience that enriches your physical and mental wellbeing. The positive benefits of mindful movement include [deep breath]:
- Enhanced mood
So, without further ado, here are some tried and tested mindful movement practices to elevate your experience in the gym.
Breathe deeply
Deep breaths can help to relax your body and mind. So, as you work out, make a conscious effort to coordinate your breathing with your movement. Inhale deeply through your nose to fill your lungs as you prepare to move, then slowly exhale through your mouth as you perform the motion.
Stretch it out
Stretching at the start and end of each workout is a good habit as it gets the blood flowing and reduces the risk of injury. But, when coupled with mindful breathing, gentle stretching takes your body to another level. Focusing on your movement calms your mind and helps you stay in the moment. This brings us on to…
Minimise distractions
Did you know that we check our phones every 12 minutes on average? To help focus your attention during mindful workouts, turn off your phone, music, or other distractions. This lets you fully engage with your body and movements by immersing you in the moment.
Move with intention
It’s easy to go through the motions when performing a regular exercise. But the key to mindful workouts is to practice conscious movement. This is where you pay attention to your muscles and joints as you slowly perform each repetition rather than exercising on autopilot.
Make it a habit
When planning your weekly workouts, add a mindful session to the mix. After all, one of the best ways to embrace mindfulness is to make it a regular part of your schedule, according to the NHS. So, for example, make each Monday session a mindful workout. Talking of schedules, here’s our guide to the best time to visit the gym.
For a deeper dive into the life-changing potential of working out, check out our guide to how exercise supports mental wellbeing and get inspired by Claudia’s incredible personal story of how the gym saved her mental health.
