Be mindful when you move
Be mindful of how your body feels
Wikipedia defines Mindfulness as:
“The practice of mindfulness involves being aware moment-to-moment, of one’s subjective conscious experience from a first-person perspective.”
I remember in my first year of University sitting in a Psychology lecture and the professor saying, “Become a conscious thinker.” This was a new concept for me. Over the years I have explored different views on this, one of my favourites being from Eckhart Tolle in his book The Power of Now, which I highly recommend.
✔How and Why we can apply this during workouts….
…Focusing on your muscles that are working during movement leads to increased muscle contraction in turn meaning better body results than if your mind is distracted.
You will also use better form & breathe better leading to more effective & safe workouts.
I believe being mindful during workouts also opens you to a feeling of empowerment as you feel the capabilities & strength of your body.
✔So, let go of distractions when next you move.
✔You don’t need to know each muscle group name to do this just allow your mind to go to where you feel contractions.
Practice:
If you are doing a squat you will feel your legs and hip muscles engaging, and even your abs and back.
You can also follow your breath during the squat, breathing in as you lower towards the floor and breathing out as you push through your feet and legs to stand up.
Try a squat now and tell me how it feels. Can you focus in on some muscles? How does your breathing feel? Can you imagine your lungs moving like balloons filling and emptying?
Discover your body again.
For more ideas on mindfulness while you move and ways to ease into being active and healthy check out the Simple Healthy Living Online Programme here…