Body (and Mind) Sculpting in 4 Steps

By Jenny Taitz, Ph.D.

Can spin class also be a practice in present, non judgmental awareness?

Cardiovascular activity has been found to be nearly as effective as antidepressant medication in treating both depression and anxiety.   In major cities, gyms and yoga studios are often replete with attractive, fit, seemingly perfect people.   While walking on the treadmill, it can be tempting to begin to think, “Why can’t I look like him? Why doesn’t my significant other look like that? How is she so thin? I wish I could find a job. What should I buy for dinner?  I can’t believe I can’t stand on my head after all these years…”  Catch my drift?

Exercise may be an opportunity to simultaneously practice discipline with your mind and body.   While trying to take care of your body, it can be worthwhile to check in with your mind.  Reviewing your recent tax filing while in down dog will not help you increase your rebate!

The gym may provide you with an opportunity to let go of comparing yourself to others, quit your unpaid position as a model scout,  and take a mental break from the tasks on your to do lists.  I’m guessing this may supercharge the antidepressant effect of exercise.  Imagine a full 30 minutes free of the thoughts and judgments.  Alternatively, you may fill your mind by listening to music, focusing on your breathing, attending to your muscles and physical sensations. 

It may be helpful to:

1. Come up with a plan: If you notice you’re having a tough day, commit to letting go of the office when you change into your gym clothes.


2. Attend fully to the moment: What are you doing?  Are you on mile 1 and thinking 2 miles to go?  Return to just where you are. 


3. Let go of judgments:  We are often drawn to judge ourselves and others (“I hate this song!”) It may be worthwhile to experiment with nonjudgmental curiosity.


4. Keep trying:  You can’t train for a triathlon in a week, so too, you cannot expect your mind to quiet immediately.   It’s been working so hard to keep you thinking and will automatically turn to thoughts.  That’s ok, but can you try again to hear the music?

 

So, are you ready to spin those legs and stop that mind?