Meditation before and after exercise is an excellent way to enhance the results you get from your workout. Meditating can improve your ability to concentrate, reduce stress, and help you to recover faster from workouts. While meditation before and after exercise have many benefits, determining which is right for you isn’t always easy. There are many variables to consider, though, and it’s a personal decision.
A great way to get started is with a simple routine. Begin with a few minutes of quiet breathing, followed by a few minutes of meditation. This could be done in a relaxed position, such as a seated position, or lying down. You can also add in a few short, intentional breathing exercises to the mix.
The most important thing to remember when meditating before and after your workout is that you should keep your body comfortable. You don’t want to overdo it, as this can lead to injury. Also, you should make sure you are in a quiet, peaceful environment. To do this, you can place a nice, cozy cushion or even light a candle.
One study found that meditating before and after your workout can reduce levels of cortisol, a stress hormone. Cortisol tends to rise during exercise, causing your muscles to fatigue and resulting in pain. Lowering cortisol can help your body recover more quickly and prevent injury.
Post-workout meditation can also be an effective way to deal with pain and other aches. It’s also a good way to boost your endorphins, which can give you that “feel good” feeling. Most post-workout meditations focus on calmness and comfort.
Another study showed that combining meditation with cardio reduced depressive symptoms by 40%. In addition, a good pre-workout meditation can help you focus, stretch your muscles, and achieve the benefits of a workout.
Using a meditation app such as Healium is a great way to begin. The app can help you guide you through your meditation session, which can be helpful if you’re unfamiliar with the practice. Similarly, there are apps designed specifically for athletes. Headspace, Calm, and Insight Timer are just a few of the options. Depending on your needs, you can choose a guided or unguided meditation.
If you’re unsure of what kind of meditation to try, you may want to start with a short one. Doing a little bit of meditation before and after your workout can be an excellent way to boost your fitness goals and maximize your performance. With a little practice, you can build your own meditation routine. And if you find that meditation before and after your workout isn’t for you, you can still take advantage of all the health and fitness benefits that meditation can provide.
Noelle is a co-founder of a NYC-based personal training business. She has been helping people achieve their fitness and wellness goals since 2005. Whether you are interested in losing weight, building muscle, or improving your mental health, she can help you achieve your objectives.
