|
|
|
 |
|
|
TAKE A SPIRITUAL VACATION AT THE GYM For far too long we have believed that pleasure is something to be justified or earned. Pleasure, we are convinced, is only what we can allow ourselves to experience after we've lost weight, achieved a fitness goal, or competed and won.
I have observed that many people approach their workout as though it were an unpleasant chore. Sometimes it's thought of, as something that is to be endured, not enjoyed. Exercise should be fun and not exertion. For example, a person cycling 30 kms everyday from his home to the factory and back it is an exertion, but a person doing the same activity in the gym for training his mind-body, it can be an high. In the last 20 years I have been helping my students not only to get in shape, but also grow to love the journey taken to health and fitness. [You] need to have a good time when you work out. It's vital if you want to stick with and succeed at a program.
The secret to a great workout is to take away boredom and make the experience interesting and satisfying.
Our state of mind can never be kept a secret. It's constantly reflected throughout the body. Frustrations about the past and worries about the future manifest themselves into muscle tension. The best way to deal with life stresses is to live in the moment. There's no better, safer, more emotionally secure time to live in the moment then during your workout. It's YOUR TIME.
While it takes practice, living in the moment brings a new vitality to a workout program. Paying attention to your mind, body, and environment creates a new appreciation for the process of transformation you have devoted yourself to. Your workout is a time for you to experience. Give yourself permission to give love and nurturing back to the person who deserves it the most - yourself.
 |
Consider taking your workout as seriously as other areas of your life such as your job or relationships. |
|
Consider taking the focus off, about instant results and think about what changes you need to make to ensure your workouts are more enjoyable. |
|
Consider making your workouts something special rather than treating them as though they were a separate part of your life. |
There are three steps to take to prepare for your healthy experience. First, have a regular place to workout. Being in familiar surroundings that you enjoy will help you relax and concentrate. Second, wear comfortable clothes you only wear for your workouts. The more meaning you put into the experience, the more you'll gain from it. And finally, have all the equipment you may need ready to use so you won't have to be interrupted during your workout
Rather than rushing into a workout and then spending most of the time diverting your attention from the activity by watching TV, listening to music, or reading, I suggests being open to the idea of communicating with your body instead.
Start your workout by wakening the body with a simple breathing exercise. Sit on a chair or on the floor with your spine straight. Close your eyes and rest your hands on your navel. Now take a deep breath and move the palms forward and back with your belly breath without moving the chest. Initially you are bound to use chest as you are not used to this kind of breathing but persevere and you will master it soon enough. Do this as slowly and comfortably as you can. Do this exercise for about five minutes.
Once you have restored your energy balance through breathing, I recommend including stress-reducing warm-up stretch to relax and energize the body.
Not enough can be said about stretching. Neck rolls, side stretching, shoulder stretching and numerous other soothing stretches not only relax your body, but they ground you mentally and physically leaving you more aware of being in the moment. That feeling of being in control, and your mind and body being as one, is the most wonderful peaceful feeling that you'll want to sustain while you're putting your body through the paces during the rest of your workout.
ACTIVE MEDITATION Most of us think of exercise as being a purpose with no meaning. Workouts do not have to be a boring regime of endless minutes we approach with resentment and dread. The mind works best when the body is in motion, and exercising is the perfect time to give both an excellent workout.
There are many ways to make a workout more interesting. Having a workout partner is effective, as is adding the element of competition to your program. And of course, you can change your activity until you find one that you find interesting. My preference is awareness. During most activities you can tame the wild and chaotic mind. You forget about the repetitiveness of the exercise and you let your focusing process do what it was meant to, to be meditative.
During your workout, do not stray away from your activity. I have observed many people keep chattering about many unnecessary topics. This stupid socializing takes your mind away from the present. Then, to get back to focus the mind has to be brought back, resulting in a waste of energy and time.
Meditate on and during your exercise. This is what will give you the experience of Active Meditation. While your body is in motion you may find yourself straying from your chosen reflection. Gently bring your mind back into focus. By the end of your program, you'll have enough inner silence and peace to inspire change.
Another very important and crucial factor is a teacher who can motivate you. A teacher is someone who has an experiential understanding of the training methods and not just theoretical know-how from books and short certificate courses. A teacher who understands your needs. A teacher who is sensitive. A teacher who does not force his theory upon you but helps you to grow and explore your own self. He/She acts only as a catalyst in your process of growth. I purposely do not use the word Instructor, because they only instruct and not teach.
Always remember that fitness is a gift you are giving yourself. Treat that gift as a privilege rather than a burden. Take the time to really get into your workout and at the core of your experience you will find endless pleasure.
|
|
|
