We’ve all had those moments while working out where our mind starts to wander. It’s oh-so-tempting to think about what you need to pick up at the grocery store during fold-over or the great idea you need to tell your boss during curl.

While zoning out during a fitness class is totally natural, it’s also really beneficial to stay fully present during a Bar Method class. Because so many of the exercises are subtle, nuanced, and specific, you might be missing out on a key benefit.

If you find yourself distracted in class by your to-do list or what you’re going to make for dinner, try these tips for staying fully present:

 

Leave it all at the door

Sometimes you have to remind yourself to leave everything at the door—both literally like your cell phone—but also figuratively in the sense of whatever is going on in your life at the moment. Maybe that means you write out a to-do list before class so you’re not distracted by your busy day ahead, or maybe it means you give yourself permission to not think about that big work project for the next 60 minutes. Leave it at the door so you can spend class focusing on you.

 

Notice when your mind starts to wander

Being fully present is challenging! It’s easy to get distracted by the outside world or your thoughts. Check-in with yourself throughout the class and acknowledge those moments when your mind starts to wander. Don’t beat yourself up over it! Instead, simply recognize that your mind is drifting. Acknowledge it and then reshift your focus back to the room and back to the exercise you’re in. 

 

Tune into the subtleties of every movement

Being present in a Bar Method class requires you to really tune in to every little muscle that’s working in your body. Sure, your quads are putting in quite the effort during thigh work, but have you ever thought about how hard your lats are working as well to keep your posture upright?

Challenge yourself to notice the subtleties of every movement throughout class. Not only will this help you stay focused and present, but it will also make the workout even more challenging. 

 

Bring yourself back into the room

If you notice yourself starting to zone out, bring your focus back into the room by noticing something really specific. Maybe it’s how the bar feels under your hands during thigh work or the feeling of the carpet under your hands in push-ups. Noticing these things will bring you back into the present moment.

 

Listen

One of the things that sets The Bar Method apart from other fitness classes is the attention to verbal cueing. We all know that hearing your own name called out will always bring you back if your mind is wandering. But even if you don’t hear your name called out for a verbal adjustment, you can still focus on the cues that the other students are receiving. Often times you’ll realize a small but powerful tweak you can make in your own body which will completely transform the exercise and in turn, will help you stay present.

 

 

About the Author

Kayla Kleinman is a blogger, yoga & Bar Method instructor in New York City. Head to her blog or Instagram page for daily motivation & inside look at the life of a full time fitness instructor.