MENTAL FOCUS WITH WEIGHT TRAINING

        When it comes to weight training it can take a lot of mental focus to push through the set and even each repetition. Weight training is both mentally and physically draining, especially if someone starts to become burnt out. It is also easy to find excuses to not go to the gym that day, whether that it is too cold outside or that one has to much work to do. Whatever the excuse is it shouldn’t matter because the importance of weight training is crucial to help maintain muscle strength and endurance. The reason as to why I love to lift is because it really teaches me discipline and hard work. Of course there are days that I don’t want to go to the gym, but then I remember what my goals are and that is to have both a strong body and mind.

I can see why weightlifting along with any other exercise can be overwhelming to people. However, since 99.9% of the world's population wants instant, spontaneous results that we can control, it is no wonder why most people decide to forget it all. Yet, the things that are "out of sight," like how we change internally from exercise and physical fitness, can be extremely beneficial. Which leads me to my next point of meditation. When most people think of meditation, they think of quiet space, and calming one's mind, etc. Mediation to me is almost the opposite. I desire music and to be in my "zone" just simply weightlifting and throwing my stress at something that is beneficial to me, internally and physically. I believe people do understand the benefits of exercise and how important it is for the body and mind, yet since it is not an instant "cure," individuals seek other options that are quicker and more easily obtainable. Additionally, what helps me among all other things is to consciously remind myself to meditate, as I'm weightlifting. As odd as that sounds, I let go of every bit of stress I have and focus my attention on the exercise as well as breathing.

As a college student with many stresses in my day-to-day life it is very easy to become overwhelmed. One of the easiest ways to relieve stress and help with mental wellness is to exercise. While everyone has different ways of exercising, I personally enjoy the mental benefits of yoga. Any type of yoga will do for me; it can be hot yoga, barefoot yoga, candlelight yoga, outside yoga, or just traditional yoga. The variations of yoga makes it great to choose what you need for the day, maybe after a long day of school and work, a candlelight yoga class is relaxing and peaceful. While yoga has been around for over 5,000 years, the benefits show to be endless. In typical yoga classes you receive a full body workout including stretching and mind exercises. The dim lighted environment and aura of the room gives you and inviting welcome and to leave all worries at the door. When feeling overwhelmed, I highly recommend checking out a yoga class, it truly is wonderful!

When people talk to me about their workout routine, they tell me how they dread the treadmill or the elliptical. Unlike most people, running, hiking, or some type of cardiovascular exercise is the reason why I love going to the gym. Running does so much for me mentally. I’m able to clear my mind or make life decisions. I’ve noticed that I’m also more mentally alert and less tired. Running or even walking is known to add years to your life. So for those who are reading this, all it takes is 30 minutes to be a better person than you were yesterday. 


Szabadi, E. (1988). Physical exercise and mental health. British Medical Journal (Clinical Research Ed.), 296(6623), 659–660.  


Two links:

Fitness & Exercise. (2011, January 11). Retrieved April 16, 2015, from http://www.m.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/guide/get-regular-exercise-for-mental-health-topic-overview

Sharma, A., Madaan, V., & Petty, F. (2008, January 1). Exercise for Mental Health. Retrieved April 16, 2015, from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1470658/?hc_location=ufi