Mindfulness is the practice of being aware of your body and focusing on the present. Mindfulness is practiced during yoga by performing poses in conscious control, but can also be put into practice while strength training. Here are some tips and benefits to being present during your workout:
- Firstly, what are you thinking about as you exercise? Some people like to think through personal issues as they work out, but it often helps to envision your mind as a blank slate while you exercise, as physical activity is a great way to unwind.
- Be mindful of your form, especially when lifting free weights. These days, many of us suffer from gluteal amnesia (a fancy way of saying that we've forgotten to use our butt muscles when we lift). Change your weight or stop the exercise when you are too fatigued to do the exercise correctly. For instance, if you're using your back to push through those last few bicep curls, it's time to stop the set.
- Pay attention to where you're holding tension. Is your jaw clenched? Are your shoulders relaxed? Unclench your jaw, roll your shoulders, and loosen up.
- How's your posture? Are you standing up straight, with your shoulder back and your chin up? Practicing perfect posture during your workout is the easiest way to help correct your posture in everyday life.
- Focus on how your muscles contract and relax as you exercise. Giving your muscles an extra squeeze as they’re contracting, right before you release them, will work your body that little bit more.
- We all have our off days when a trip to the gym is just not going to happen. On those days it's important to still be mindful of other lighter forms of exercise you can do instead. Take an evening walk and get some fresh air, or play with your dog in the park -- sometimes all your body needs is a little movement.
