Meditation during intense exercise

[Seekerofsolace]

I have been engaging in Cross-Fit, which is a high intensity exercise program, for the past 2 months. The last couple of sessions I've tried to meditate while doing the exercises. I tell myself to feel the pain and acknowledge how my muscles are burning, how I am out of breath and tired. Time seems to slow down even more. It feels like the pain is drawn out even longer, but I feel I can do the exercise better. I feel more focus. I am able to hold this for a little while and then I just tire out and can't hold it anymore. I started typing this with the aim of asking a question, but in the end it feels like I am just sharing.

[Sarian]

I used to have the hardest time meditating...but it seemed automatic when I was out running...I would go off somewhere else and find a second wind, but I would feel such joy and elation and connected with the trails I ran and all around me...I also have work out programs I use and found the same thing would happen. It's like endorphins pumping and getting a natural high but no matter, it's awesome.

[Fairyana]

I try to meditate at the gym too! I try to focus on the present and broaden my awareness while on the treadmill. :-D

I bet running outdoors would be even better!

[FallingLeaves]

Originally Posted by Seekerofsolace

I have been engaging in Cross-Fit, which is a high intensity exercise program, for the past 2 months. The last couple of sessions I've tried to meditate while doing the exercises. I tell myself to feel the pain and acknowledge how my muscles are burning, how I am out of breath and tired. Time seems to slow down even more. It feels like the pain is drawn out even longer, but I feel I can do the exercise better. I feel more focus. I am able to hold this for a little while and then I just tire out and can't hold it anymore. I started typing this with the aim of asking a question, but in the end it feels like I am just sharing.

if you are in the mood sometime, I recommend trying to push just a little further than you are able to go.

[loamm122]

I've tried it as an attempt to "inhibit" the pain, but it really didn't work. I guess you can learn to control that muscle better, if you focus on it intensely as you work it out, but there's probably not much more value to it..

[FallingLeaves]

i found a long time ago, that if you learn to 'breath through' the burning it eventually starts wearing off... I had forgotten about that