Effort Plus Relaxation Equals Results

If your athletic to-do list includes weight loss, increased endurance or sharpened skills, you already have the most effective performance enhancer: the power of your mind. However, connecting with your inner power is often easier said than done, especially for many athletes who have been trained that a blind “better, faster, harder” approach is the only road to success. The reality is that effort plus relaxation equals results. In other words, mindfulness can help you meet your athletic goals.

What is mindfulness?

Mindfulness is the awareness of being fully present in each moment. Mindfulness also means creating an objective frame of mind in order to detach from judgment and obsessive self-introspection. When mindfulness is achieved, the brain lets go of daily tasks – like work deadlines, scheduling conflicts or dinner plans — which allows the mind to find a more creative and relaxed space. Thoughts are redirected toward elevating an individual’s inner power, creativity and yes, inner peace. I understand that the pressures of today’s world make it easy to mentally check out while exercising. After all, that time on the treadmill or in Pilates class may be the only “quiet” time for many busy adults. If you do escape the activity mentally, you may be able to temporarily address short term problems. However, if you remain with your exercise mentally, you will be on your way to reaching long-term goals, which could include permanent solutions to those pesky day-to-day stressors that keep popping up during your exercise time.

How do I meditate while exercising?

Those who are new to mindfulness may immediately think of meditation as an activity that in performed while seated in a dimly lit room with spa-type music. While this is one form of meditation, there are many other ways to incorporate meditation into a cardio-blasting, power building lifestyle.

Visualization: Whatever exercise you choose, pay attention to the task at hand and the results you want to achieve. One way to keep your mind fully present is to create a mental picture of your goals. Some athletes may choose mental pictures such as crossing the finish line in an upcoming race or shopping for new clothes after shedding extra pounds. Others have a nature scene in mind such as building enough endurance to run along the beach during their next family vacation. The only “rule” on your mental picture is that it keeps your mind in the present.

Focus on Breath: Focusing on breathing is key but it is an easy and common tool to use. As you inhale, imagine new energy entering and feeding the body. As you exhale, think about releasing stagnant breath, mental tension and constriction anywhere in the body. While breathing techniques will not stop you from feeling tired, they can help refocus your thoughts toward endurance. As you breathe, invite and encourage the new air in your body to energize and refresh tired muscles.

Music: Music plays an important role in athletic training, and athletes who use meditation while exercising do not have to toss their music players to connect with their inner power. Choose music that is inspirational to you. Music that makes you feel agitated, aggressive or angry hinders your ability to connect to your inner power. Music that makes you feel tranquil – no matter its form – helps achieve mindfulness.

Meditation alone will not help you meet your athletic goals. One has to put in the effort required. However, the combination of mindfulness and athletic commitment is unstoppable. The next time you work out, I encourage you to exercise both your body and mind.

By Nancy Gentle Boudrie - Awaken With Light

 

Tanya Stroh, B.S., NSCA, ACE, is the founder and creator of GetinShapeforFREE.net featuring a “6 Week Shape UP Challenge” with Sequential Progression. This brand new fitness and exercise website is completely Free and available to everyone who has the desire to be fit and healthy. Tanya's philosophy has always been that a fit and healthy lifestyle is a process that you build upon; that’s why her approach to exercise with Sequential Progression is so effective. Tanya’s clients have successfully improved and achieved their health and fitness goals because of this approach to fitness. And now with GetinShapeforFREE.net so can YOUR clients!

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