When you wash the dishes you should be washing the dishes. Not thinking about the protein shake you are going to slam down after. If you are always looking onto the next thing then you are never in the moment. This act of mindfulness will carry over to other aspects of your life as well. It will translate to workouts in a meaningful way.
We have all had that workout where we are focused. We feel in the “zone”. In our head everything seemed to line up. A big reason for that is the amount of energy you put into the workout. Not energy as it relates to effort or speed. But, the amount of conscious thought you had to be present and focus on the back squat. Not thinking about the next set, whats for dinner or how you look compared to squatting Sally.
This is the reason that working out can be such a stress relief. When we hit a heavy set of back squats most people are able to focus solely on that load. It is intimidating. If you take your mind to another place with a heavy load pulling you down as you fight gravity it usually results in a failed lift.
The part of the workout that we can use more focus with is during the met con. Our fancy way of saying when you are moving fast. Lets take this workout. 15 Front squats, 400 M run – 3 round. You pick up the bar and think “Ok, this weight feels good now. Wait, can I do this for 3 rnds? Damnit, Strong Sally is running already. Ugh I am going to be last out of door. Damn, I am having a terrible day.” Ok, besides the negative talk, which we all know is AGAINST THE RULES, there is no focus on the actual movement.
Our minds often stay in the gym when we come to CrossFit. It is one of the many benefits. Go run on the treadmill and wait in line for the leg press machine. I am shaking my head thinking, this sounds miserable. But, most of us have been there. Usually we are thinking “What the hell is taking this guy so long, I need to get my sets in. Ugh I still have to go to the store and make my lunch for tomorrow.” Not present, not in the moment and building up frustration and anger.
We have the benefit of being directed into the present state of mind. Since you are in a class and told what to do it lets you focus on the movement and not coming up with the movement. But can you narrow down your focus? Can you put emphasis on your movement, breathing and active core?
Challenge yourself next time you step in the doors. Check yourself when your mind starts to wonder. Focus on the task and do your best job to keep that focus positive and related to improvement. This will help your mental game and easily translate to upping your physical game.