Why Mindful Movement Matters in Your Day

Sometimes getting a workout in can seem like another thing to add to the to-do list. However, when done mindfully, an effective workout can be done in less time and reap more rewards for your health.

“Mindful movement involves focusing on what you’re doing while you’re doing it,” shares William Long, DO, family medicine provider with ProMedica Physicians Wildwood Family Practice. Don’t let your mind wander to other things going on in your world, focus on why you’re working out.

The Benefits of Mindful Movement

Whether your goal is to improve your cardio, strength or overall fitness, being mindful during your workout has benefits.

“Regardless of what type of workout you’re doing, being mindful can make your workouts more efficient, resulting in less time spent and maximum benefits,” says Dr. Long.

If you’re doing cardio, try counting your steps to keep yourself present. If you’re weightlifting, focus on the muscle(s) that you are trying to target.

For added cardiovascular benefits, pay attention to your breath while exercising. Practice deep breathing and slow your breath as you work up a sweat. Focusing on your breath can help you not wear out as quickly, and also help you keep your mind on the task at hand when it is prone to wander.

These practices will bring focus to your form and how your body feels while performing the exercise, putting you on a faster track to achieving your goals. They can also help you disconnect from other things going on to reduce stress levels.

Mindful movement can also help you connect with your surroundings, whether it’s with nature (which we know has benefits) or the people you’re with. You’ll likely enjoy it more, which can help with sustainability.

How Mindful Movement Decreases Injuries

“It can be easy to get distracted while exercising,” Dr. Long shares. “Staying present can help you not overdo it or do movements incorrectly.”

Practicing mindfulness helps you tune into your body and how it’s feeling at that moment and adjust accordingly. When you’re paying attention to how you’re feeling, you’re less likely to experience undesirable effects such as heat stroke or dehydration.

Powering through physical activity isn’t always the best thing to do. Somedays our bodies might be up for more intensity than others, and that’s okay! It’s important to not overwork your muscles to a point where you’re more likely to injure yourself.

Mindfully Moving Throughout the Day

A dedicated workout isn’t the only time you can incorporate mindful movement into your day. “We often don’t realize how much time we have to fit movement into our day outside the hour or so that you might set aside for a workout,” Dr. Long shares.

If you’re mindful, it’s easier to incorporate movement into your days in ways that won’t take much more time. Try these ways to add in more movement to your day:

• Park a little bit further away in the parking lot.
• Take the stairs instead of the elevator.
• Do squats while brushing your teeth.
• Walk around the house while you’re on the phone.
• Do push-ups or sit-ups while watching TV or during the commercials.

So much of our lives can be sedentary, that oftentimes, finding easy ways to move throughout the day can be just as impactful, if not more, impactful than setting aside an hour to hit the gym.

“Exercise doesn’t have to be running forever,” Dr. Long shares. “There are many fun ways to incorporate movement into your everyday life and workouts.”

Join a pickleball league, swim laps at the community pool, or go for walks or bike rides with your family. Find ways to move that you enjoy and do them!

William Long, DO
Dr. Long is a family medicine provider with ProMedica Physicians Wildwood Family Practice. View his profile.