4 ways to improve mental training in physical fitness
As a health and wellness coach, you have a unique opportunity to help your clients not just improve their physical fitness, but also their mental well-being. While many people understand the importance of exercise for their physical health, fewer may recognise the benefits it can have for their mental health as well. Here's some ways to improve mental training in physical fitness.
As a health and wellness coach, you know that physical fitness and mental well-being go hand in hand. Incorporating mental training into your personal training practice can enhance your clients' chances of success and strengthen your relationship with them. In this post, we'll explore four simple ways to integrate mental training into physical training to boost ability, consistency, and confidence.
Prioritise sleep
Quality sleep is essential for overall health and well-being. As a coach, you can educate your clients on the importance of sleep and the risks of sleep deprivation. By creating personalised sleep management plans, you can help your clients prioritise seven to nine hours of quality sleep each night. The benefits of quality sleep include increased energy, improved muscle strength and tissue recovery, and accelerated fitness goals.
Mix up physical activity
Encouraging clients to engage in a variety of physical activities can have mental health benefits in addition to physical benefits. Suggesting activities like yoga, hiking, dancing, gardening, or sports can keep workouts fresh and enjoyable. When creating personalised workout plans, take each client's preferences and fitness goals into account.
Nurture mental health
As a coach, you can play a crucial role in supporting your clients' mental health. Encourage mindfulness meditation to reduce stress and anxiety, limit social media usage to improve mental well-being, and recommend socialising with friends for increased happiness and brain power. Some clients may benefit from mental training or consulting with a mental health professional.
Use breath work
Stress can have negative impacts on overall health, including anxiety, depression, and weakened immune systems. Encourage clients to use breath work to trigger the relaxation response and reduce stress. Breath work classes, yoga, meditation, and progressive muscle relaxation are all effective techniques to promote relaxation and focus.
By incorporating these mental training techniques into your physical training practice, you can help your clients achieve their fitness goals while improving their overall health and well-being. Remember to personalise your approach to each client's unique needs and goals.
This article was initially published on 3 Apr 2023, but it has been subsequently updated.