Research shows that people who focus on the sensations of exercise and on their surroundings enjoy the experience more. Christian mindfulness can support our exercise program, and the exercise program can build our Christian mindfulness.

How can we do it?

1. Pray before your exercise, offering thanks for the body you have been given.
2. Unplug. Exercise without music or other input so you can focus on the experience.
3. Pay attention to the changes you feel as you exercise: changes and strains in your muscles, your mood and emotions, your breathing and all else you experience.
4. Notice pain and decide what to do about it. Be nice to yourself.
5. Observe the surroundings, whether they are nature or the walls of a room.
6. Listen to your thoughts. Are you in dread? Watching the clock? Feeling competitive with others around you?
7. As you cool down, offer gratitude for your body, inside and out.

Exercise can be many things, ranging from an addiction to an experience to avoid as much as possible. Bringing Christian mindfulness into the activity can add some calm and clarity to it.