Train Your Brain!

Get more from your exercise routine by making it mindful

We know that mindfulness benefits us mentally and emotionally, but have you heard of ‘mindful exercise’? This Zen approach to keeping fit could also help boost your physical health.

‘By bringing mindfulness into your workouts, you are bringing greater awareness and focus to the present moment,’ explains health and mindfulness instructor Louise Murray. ‘By doing so, you aren’t thinking about the past or the future, so it shifts you from feeling busy, distracted, worried or stressed, into a calmer and stronger headspace.’ Curious? Here’s how to get in the zone.

MOVING MEDITATION

Being more mindful during exercise helps us get the maximum benefits from an activity, whether that’s walking, riding a bike or yoga. Mindful exercise can also reduce the risk of an injury. It’s no surprise then that Olympic athletes use techniques such as breathing work and visualization in their training plans – mental strength and physical effort is a proven formula for success. So, how exactly do you exercise mindfully? ‘You can use many tools to root yourself in the present, such as bringing awareness to your breath and really focusing on your senses,’ says Louise.

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