Network Magazine Autumn 2021 | Page 31

MINDFULNESS

FOR FITNESS PROFESSIONALS

101

By adding some simple breath-focused practices to your client ’ s training , you can enhance the stress-reducing benefits that their exercise regime already provides , writes mindfulness consultant and facilitator Anastasia Charitou .

A s a fitness professional , why do you do what you do ? For most , it ’ s because you are passionate about fitness and helping people benefit from its transformative power .

Of course , by providing the best service you can , you are also aiming to have loyal long-term clients that generate word-of-mouth referrals , resulting in a successful and profitable business .
Incorporating mindfulness into PT sessions and group workouts can give you an advantage over other fitness professionals .
Exercise as a shortcut to mindfulness
The good news is , as a fitness professional , you are already one step ahead in the mindfulness game . How so ?
Mindfulness requires us to get out of the head where stressful thoughts are created , and into the body , which is always in the present moment . Once we feel the body , the head and its stress-inducing thoughts lose their hold over us . This is how exercise reduces stress .
The brain has an unfortunate ability to project into the future and worry about a situation that may or may not happen . The body cannot grab our awareness ( attention ) and take it into the future or the past . Only the mind does this .
Once you can feel your body , be it through pain , exertion or even just that ‘ feel good ’ sensation you get from working out , that survival mechanism called the ‘ reptilian brain ’ and all the crazy involuntary thoughts that come with it greatly decrease or even disappear .
Mindfulness means maintaining a moment-by-moment awareness of our thoughts , feelings , bodily sensations and surrounding environment . It also involves acceptance of our thoughts and feelings without judgement of them .
Physical activity allows us to be in tune with our bodies . During exercise you may notice your mind chatter , saying ‘ I can ’ t do this ’ or ‘ I ’ ve got this !’. Alternatively , you may be in such a strong state of ‘ flow ’ that you have absolutely no thoughts . The more in ‘ flow ’ you are , the easier it is to tune in to your body , which has the natural side-effect of also preventing injuries from occurring .
During your sessions , you can discuss this internal dialogue with clients and ask them what their mind chatter is saying . Their answers will give you an insight into how to better help them achieve their fitness goals .
Mindfulness is easy . Remembering to be mindful , is the tricky part . If it ’ s a challenge for you , you can get a helping hand by setting a mindfulness alarm .
A simple mindfulness practice
Let ’ s start with your mindfulness practice , then we ’ ll look at how to apply it in your sessions .
• Begin to breathe consciously , focusing your attention on the breath
NETWORK AUTUMN 2021 | 31