MEDITATION AND EXERCISE.
Meditation is a excellent strategy to combating mental overload.
Meditation With Exercise
At JY Exercise Physiology, I know that mental and physical health go hand-in-hand. Combining movement with mindfulness can take your wellbeing to the next level. Pairing exercise with meditation techniques doesn't just help you stay more focused during workouts, it also enhances stress relief, builds emotional resilience, and boosts mood.
Why Combine Exercise with Mindfulness?
Exercise already releases endorphins, improves sleep, and lowers stress hormones. Mindfulness strengthens those effects by helping you stay present, reduce mental chatter, and build a healthier relationship with your body.
When you pair movement with mindful techniques, you:
Deepen the mind-body connection
Stay more consistent with your exercise habits
Reduce feelings of anxiety and depression
Enhance recovery and relaxation after workouts
Mindfulness Techniques to Try
Here are simple mindfulness and meditation practices you can use before, during, and after your exercise sessions.
1. Breath Awareness. Focus on your breath while you move. Try matching your breath to your steps when walking or syncing your inhales and exhales during strength exercises.
2. Body Scanning. Before starting your workout, close your eyes and scan your body from head to toe. Notice areas of tension, stiffness, or ease. This practice builds awareness and prevents injury.
3. Mindful Walking or Jogging. Instead of zoning out, stay tuned in to the sensation of your feet hitting the ground, the rhythm of your breath, and the sounds around you. If your mind wanders, gently bring it back to your body.
4. Meditation Cool-Down. After exercise, take 5 minutes to sit or lie quietly. Focus on your breath, and allow your body to fully absorb the benefits of movement.
5. Gratitude Reflection. At the end of your session, think of one thing your body allowed you to do today. Gratitude builds a positive mindset and supports long-term mental health.
Best Types of Exercise to Pair with Mindfulness
Yoga. Yoga naturally combines breath, movement, and mental focus. It's one of the most accessible ways to practice mindful exercise.
Pilates. Pilates emphasises controlled, deliberate movement, making it ideal for staying present and connected to your body.
Walking or Hiking. Being outdoors in nature while walking mindfully can significantly lower stress levels and boost your mood.
Strength Training. Slowing down your movements, focusing on muscle engagement, and syncing breath to effort transforms strength training into a mindfulness practice.
Swimming. The rhythm of swimming lends itself to a meditative flow, where you focus fully on breath, stroke, and movement.
Tips to Start Combining Exercise and Mindfulness
Begin small: Start with 2–5 minutes of mindful breathing before or after a workout.
Ditch distractions: Put your phone on silent or airplane mode during exercise.
Set an intention: Before each workout, ask yourself how you want to feel, rather than what you want to achieve.
Stay compassionate: Mindfulness isn't about doing it "perfectly." It's about showing up with curiosity and kindness toward yourself.
How JY Exercise Physiology Can Support You
At JY Exercise Physiology, I don't just focus on physical results, I support whole-person wellbeing. We design personalised movement plans that include elements of mindfulness, breath work, and recovery strategies to help you feel stronger in both body and mind.
Whether you're managing stress, recovering from injury, or simply want to feel more connected and balanced, we're here to help.
Move with Purpose, Move with Presence
Mindful movement is a gift to both your body and your mind. By pairing meditation and mindfulness techniques with exercise, you can enhance emotional resilience, reduce anxiety, and build lasting health habits.
Contact me today to start your journey.
Located in Upper Mount Gravatt and speak with an Accredited Exercise Physiologist now to discuss how I can facilitate your needs.
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Call +61 421 967 711
