I'm so inspired by my Studio LB practice that I find myself talking about it all the time with friends and clients. And, people are shocked when I tell them that Studio LB is all that I do to stay fit. Nope, there's no logging onto Mindbody, and I won't be charged if I miss my workout. What/who holds me accountable? I do. How? By staying mindful.
Through talking with others, I've found that so many people create mental road blocks and excuses about why they can't achieve their goals on their own, or how they've tried but failed.
FYI, practicing at home is in some ways more difficult than hitting up a studio, gym, or a one-on-one session with a teacher. After all, it’s just YOU and your mat, right? NOBODY is going to stop you from taking a break, getting up to check your phone, or reminding you to breathe.
Going to a group class has many benefits, (and I love a really great studio experience) but I've observed time and time again that when you start to practice mindfully at home, really incredible change occurs. In fact, nothing replaces an at-home practice, IMO. You're with your own body with no distractions, in your own space where you can find your own rhythm.
It just takes some mindfulness.
SIX Tips For Creating a more Mindful Studio LB Practice
1. Schedule it. Totally basic, but super important. Sit down with your weekly calendar and begin to cross out any activity that is not serving you anymore (this takes being brutally honest). Schedule the time to practice and stick to it just like you would any other appointment that is important to you.
2. Create a space to practice. Many of us don't have a dedicated home gym and have to get creative with living space. I have my living room set up so that all I have to do is roll up the rug, grab my mirror - and I have my own studio. Rearrange whatever you need so you'll have the room to move. If possible, set your furniture up so that you can easily shift things around when it’s time to start.
3. Think it through. Before you begin, think of all the things that could distract you. Then, go through the thoughts that could arise in each scenario and experience those feelings in the moment, rather than fight them (or procrastinate) and then decide not to practice. This will fine-tune your focus.
4. All the feels. Before you begin, take a minute and check in with yourself. Are you feeling happy? Inspired? Tired? Anxious? Energetic? Motivated? Notice how you're feeling, then start your session with either cardio or sculpting. I promise that working along with your mind + body (vs. forcing it) wilI benefit you far more than working against it. You'll stick to your workout and see better results all around.
5. Use your resources. Nobody knows what you need better than you, right? If you're struggling and want/need support, please reach out to your community. We're all human. If you are feeling stuck, uninspired, or unsure where to start, utilize the Facebook group, call a friend, or call on me! I've worked with thousands of people over the years and I've learned a lot through experience. I help people everyday and I do not judge.
Are you the type of person that will stop at nothing to not let a friend down, but will fall short on keeping up with your own goals? You need an accountability partner (this is not a workout buddy)! An accountability partner is someone that is depending on you as much as you are depending on them.
6. Begin now. How many times do we say we are going to start and never follow through? We may have the best intentions but if we don’t actually get on that mat, we don’t have a practice! You don’t have to wait for a-b-c to happen, all you have to do is begin. I recommend starting small with my quick-burn workouts or any Studio LB Under 30-min. workout.
You can do it!
Xx
Lauren