How Your Mind-Body Connection Affects Your Fitness Results
Who likes wasted effort?
I know my clients and I certainly don’t!
So when you’re trying to get the most out of your workouts, it’s essential to remember…
Keep your focus on your form and your mind in the movement.
If your mind is wandering, you’re missing out on the most important part of the exercise – the muscle contraction. The more you contract and feel the muscles you’re working, the more effective the exercise will be.
We all want the best results possible in the shortest amount of time so that’s why you need to focus and make every rep count.
Staying Mindful In The Movement
If you’re suffering through a workout on pure grit, you’ll likely be ignoring pain or objections from the body. There’s a difference between feeling the burn of an exercise vs. the sharp pain of your body letting you know something’s wrong. And this disconnection from your body sets the stage for potential injuries.
Exercise should not be an out-of-body experience.
Focus by putting your full attention on the muscles you are strengthening as you contract and relax with each repetition.
Staying mindful in the movement not only exercises your muscles more efficiently, but it’s also a great mindfulness exercise for your brain to help strengthen your mental focus too. The repetitive nature of exercising provides a perfect training ground for practicing mindfulness.
So try to remember to let go of distractions and unrelated thoughts and focus your attention on the muscles contracting and your form throughout the exercise. When you give your full awareness to your workout, you’re able to do it more effectively (and safely).
Stress Less
We all know that too much stress can infect every area of our lives and there are times when our workouts can be compromised because of it. Like when you’re exercising only to be rushing through your reps, clock-watching and/or thinking about all the other things you could or should be doing.
There’s a flow that happens when you pay attention to what you’re doing in the current moment. It makes whatever you’re focused on, that much more effective. You’re missing out on that flow when you’re being distracted by your thoughts.
Remember Why You’re Exercising
If you find yourself rushing through a workout or thinking about other things, remember WHY it’s so important to you. Reflect on WHY you have made exercise a priority and how this workout will help you right now.
Motivation is fueled by the emotional juice that comes from your WHY.
Remember that you’re setting this time aside specifically for your workout so give yourself the luxury of getting the most out of it! Take your time with each rep, especially during strength training exercises. Perform slow and controlled movements while focusing on your form. Think about your posture, holding your core engaged, and the muscles you are targeting.
The more consistent you are, the easier and more natural it will become.
And the real benefits of regular exercise goes way beyond aesthetics. The following are my top 10 (non-aesthetic) workout WHYS that can be helpful reminders for you too!
My Top 10 Reasons Why I Exercise...
✔️ This workout will help me have more energy for my day.
✔️ I’ll feel a satisfying sense of accomplishment when I finish my workout.
✔️ I’ll sleep better tonight after this workout.
✔️ I deserve to take care of myself with self-care, and exercise is a part of that.
✔️ Working out helps me feel stronger and more confident.
✔️ Exercise helps me feel happier by increasing serotonin and dopamine levels.
✔️ I’ll feel alleviated from stress when I exercise due to elevated levels of endorphins.
✔️ I really love delicious food and exercise helps to offset indulgences.
✔️ Exercise balances my mind and my emotions.
✔️ Exercise helps keep my immune system stay strong.
This is so true. Exercise is a gift we can give to ourselves so we shouldn’t waste it by not focusing. Getting a better workout and lowering risk of injury along with the emotional benefits make the effort to be mindful so worth it. BTW, loving the new blog style, girl!
Thank you so much and yes, absolutely! The physical and mental benefits of this practice are priceless
Love your explanation of the Mind Body connection. It’s so true and so important!
Thank you, Chelsea!