In recent years, mindfulness meditation and its role in physical fitness has become a hot topic among sports medicine experts. Living in the present remains a critical aspect of an athlete’s focus and peak performance. Since meditation develops this skill, an increasing number of athletes are discovering the benefits of this practice.
A study recently appeared in Psychological Science that demonstrated the efficacy of 15 minutes of focused breathing and meditation in helping athletes make better choices while performing.
Beyond the sports field, meditation may even help individuals exercise more effectively. Athletes and non-athletes alike often avoid exercise because they feel that it is boring. By learning how to focus on the present, exercisers gain the ability to overcome boredom and pay closer attention to their bodies as they exercise.
Jessica Matthews, a fitness consultant to the American Council on Exercise, has explained how exercise may reduce stress, but finding time to work out can actually increase stress. Meditation helps people focus on the present and increase productivity. Instead of wasting time planning for the future or remembering the past, individuals can concentrate on the task at hand and more effectively manage time. As a result, meditation may help individuals exercise more regularly and effectively.
