Is exercise meditation practice really a thing?

You may have heard of the crossover between mindfulness meditation and physical exercise. Combining the two can increase your well being and help your body feel better against the stress of every day life. With regular meditation practice, you can even reduce symptoms of chronic diseases and reduce stress.

In this article, we'll briefly cover why exercise is a great way to incorporate mindfulness meditation into your life. Mindfulness based stress reduction is a great way for your to just take a few deep breaths and engage with your daily meditation practices.

What is mindfulness meditation?

Mindfulness meditation is the art of being aware: bring awareness to your body, your surroundings, and your mental health and emotional state. Mindfulness practice is always meant to bring you back into your body and out of your daily life.

You likely already know mindfulness meditation exercises. If you've ever been told to take a deep breath when you're upset – hey, that's mindfulness meditation! Likewise, if you've encountered concepts like ‘mindful eating' or only eating until you're full, that, too, is practicing mindfulness.

Photo of woman laying on ground

How can you combine mindfulness meditation with physical exercise?

Mindfulness exercises are all about connecting your present moment to your brain. The key is to be aware of your physical sensations while you're exercising. In other words: just don't tune out. Instead of rocking out to your favorite jams, you focus on every deep breath, every nagging pain, and every endorphin flowing through your body.

Isn't this just body scan meditation?

In a way, yes. But it's a body scan meditation while you're moving. It's great for those of us who really just can't keep still. Instead of itching through a few deep breaths, you're able and encouraged to move.

Experiencing physical sensations and practicing mindfulness is a great way to improve your physical abilities. By incorporating exercise into your mindfulness meditation, you'll be able to reach the next level of physical fitness.

Does it have to be vigorous exercise?

No, not at all. Walking meditation is a great way to get started with exercise meditation. Get yourself to a safe place to walk, and turn every step into a meditation exercise. Basic mindfulness meditation exercises can be built into just about any type of movement that you're doing, be it walking meditation, running, biking, or even rowing.

If anything, exercise meditation exercises will help you understand your body's limits. You'll be able to use a body scan to keep the present moment at the forefront of your mind.

Photo of woman wearing pink sports shoes walking

Will exercise and meditation exercises help improve my faith?

It can. Connecting to the sacred is about preventing mind wandering and staying in the present moment. You'll be able to stay focused on your physical experience and reduce negative thoughts if you regularly engage in exercise meditation.

You can add aspects like guided imagery to your daily routine, too. A nice deep breath can gently bring out the sacred in each of us.

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