May marks Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to fight the stigma, raise awareness, and support the millions of people around the world living with mental health conditions. We spoke with iFIT Trainer Casey Gilbert, who shared what mental health means to him, challenges he’s faced, and how it inspires his fitness journey. To learn more about Casey, follow him and iFIT on Instagram. And be sure to take care of yourself with our TBD Mental Health Collection, featuring refreshing workouts that support your physical strength and emotional well-being. Casey, how has prioritizing your physical fitness and mental health affected your overall well-being? Casey: “I started prioritizing my physical fitness because it was something that made me feel good, made me feel calm, and made me feel productive. But I didn’t realize until a few years ago that I was also prioritizing my mental health. There’s been plenty of times when, if I’m stressed or anxious, I don’t find myself able to perform physically. Taking moments to breathe, be mindful, and check in with yourself can benefit your physical health. Taking a step back sometimes can help me move forward in my fitness journey.” What inspired you to start prioritizing your mental health? Casey: “Since diving into that passion and purpose of prioritizing my mental health, I found that my overall well-being has drastically improved. I’m able to show up more for myself and those around me, and it’s been quite the journey that I am looking forward to continuing.” Have you experienced times when your mental health affected your physical fitness? Casey: “Those who know me know that I’ve struggled for a long time with anxiety, depression, overthinking, and [feeling] overwhelmed. I think that’s part of the human condition, and it makes me feel more human. When I share that on social media and with the iFIT Community, I’ve gotten an overwhelming response of positivity.” How do you manage those feelings when they arise? Casey: “As soon as I realize I’m not the only one going through it, I try to think about how [I’m] feeling in that moment and being okay with that. It’s a fitness journey, right? We’re trying to build our bodies and get healthier. But it’s also a journey of the mind to figure out who you are and build on that.” One last question. Do you have advice for people who want to create a healthy balance between fitness and well-being? Casey: “Just like building your body, think of your mental health as a journey. You’re not going to flip a switch and have everything figured out, just like you’re not going to do one bicep curl and have Arnold [Schwarzenegger] arms. It’s a process, and practice makes progress. Also, be kind to yourself. It’s going to take time. You will have setbacks, but that’s the part of the journey. We’re here together. We’re experiencing life together, so have grace with yourself. You’ll get exactly where you need to be as long as you keep showing up and doing your best.” Conquer your goals with Casey! Like Casey says, “Consistency and dedication are the only ways to approach a task—and conquer it.” Join these iFIT Series with Casey and give your mental health the attention it deserves. Bhutan: The Journey Within Join Casey and iFIT Guide Kenton Cool on 10 intermediate hikes and jogs in Bhutan, finding happiness and gratitude every step of the way. Join the Bhutan: The Journey Within Series 2021 Virgin Money London Marathon® Series Race through the 2021 Virgin Money London Marathon® with iFIT Trainer Casey in five advanced workouts as Casey leads you along this legendary and historic course. Join the 2021 Virgin Money London Marathon® Series New England Interval Series Join Casey for 12 beginner jogs, increasing your endurance and speed while taking in stunning sites across New England. Join the New England Interval Series Disclaimer: This blog post is not intended to replace the advice of a medical professional. The above information should not be used to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or medical condition. Please consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet, sleep methods, daily activity, or fitness routine. iFIT assumes no responsibility for any personal injury or damage sustained by any recommendations, opinions, or advice given in this article. Always follow the safety precautions included in the owner’s manual of your fitness equipment.

May is National Fitness Month, and we’re here to celebrate with you! Join us, and make time for your health with the inaugural Fitness Month Challenge! Whether you want to restart your routine or push yourself to conquer new goals, join your favorite iFIT Trainers for 6 weeks of “mini-Challenges,” starting with National Fitness Month and ending on Global Running Day on June 7. Complete the workouts from your selected level for each week of the Fitness Month Challenge and earn a digital reward in your Trophy Case to share with your family and friends! At the end of the Fitness Month Challenge, check your email for an exclusive one-time offer to purchase a commemorative Fitness Month Challenge t-shirt, so you can show off your success! See the Fitness Month Challenge FAQs section for more details. Read on to learn more about our weekly mini-Challenges! Week 1: EnergyWeek 2: CommunityWeek 3: MindWeek 4: ElevateWeek 5: NatureWeek 6: MovementFitness Month Challenge FAQs Week 1: Energy To kick off the Fitness Month Challenge, energize your body with workouts under 20 minutes to get outside and take in the fresh air in a flash! Complete the workouts from your selected level for Week 1 between May 1 - May 7 and earn a digital reward in your Trophy Case. Stay tuned for Week 2, and discover how having #squadgoals can transform your fitness journey. Here are this week’s mini-Challenges: Treadmill and elliptical workouts Walking: Give your body a boost with two energizing walking workouts, each under 20 minutes. Join iFIT Trainers Elyse Miller, John Peel, and Michael Phelps in Nashville and Maui! Join Week 1: Energy (Walking) Running: Looking for an energizing run but short on time? Join iFIT Trainers Alex Morgan and Jonnie Gale in Florida and Iceland for 2 running workouts, each under 20 minutes! Join Week 1: Energy (Running) Bike workouts Casual Riding: Join iFIT Trainers Gideon Akande and Nicole Meline and feel energized in Bermuda and Montana! These 2 bike workouts are under 20 minutes, so make every moment count. Join Week 1: Energy (Casual Riding) Amped Cycling: In a time crunch but want an energizing ride? Join iFIT Trainers Casey Zaugg and Richard Biglia for 2 cycling workouts, each under 20 minutes! Join Week 1: Energy (Amped Cycling) Rower workouts Rowing: Have 20 minutes to spare? Hop on your rower and get energized with iFIT Trainers Alex Silver-Fagan and James Stephenson! Learn to row longer and stronger while getting a fantastic workout in. Join Week 1: Energy (Rowing) Strength workouts Strength: Join iFIT Trainers Elyse Miller and Shelley Dawson and strengthen your body with 2 workouts under 20 minutes! Start with a total-body workout and wrap up with an energizing Vinyasa yoga flow. Join Week 1: Energy (Strength) Digital Reward Want more quick workouts? Check out our new Shorts Collection on the iFIT mobile app or your NordicTrack or ProForm equipment coming soon! Week 2: Community Having a Community in your corner makes exercise more motivating and fun! Before Mother’s Day, work out with your favorite iFIT Trainers who are also moms. Complete the workouts from your selected level for Week 2 of the Fitness Month Challenge between May 8 - 14, 2023, and earn a digital reward in your Trophy Case! Stay tuned for Week 3, and learn why your physical and mental health is inseparable. Here are this week’s mini-Challenges: Treadmill and elliptical workouts Walking: Here’s to all the strong women, from our trainers to our Community! Join Stacie Clark and Sanya Richards-Ross for 2 walking workouts in Aruba and Jamaica. Join Week 2: Community (Walking) Running: Celebrate our Community and our female trainers in Florida and Croatia! iFIT Trainers Elyse Miller and Kelsey Sheahan coach you with 2 running workouts to guide your fitness journey. Join Week 2: Community (Running) Bike workouts Casual Riding: Join the iFIT Community and moms around the world to inspire your goals! iFIT Trainers Ashley Paulson and Heather Jenson coach you on your fitness journey with 2 inspiring bike workouts. Join Week 2: Community (Casual Riding) Amped Cycling: iFIT Trainers Ashley Paulson and Stacie Clark lead the way and guide you! Join our Community with 2 cycling workouts to inspire you to reach your goals. Join Week 2: Community (Amped Cycling) Rower workouts Rowing: iFIT Trainers Susan Francia and Anja Garcia are with you every step of the way with 2 rowing workouts! Practice your speed and endurance and learn how Community can take your goals to the next level. Join Week 2: Community (Rowing) Strength workouts Strength: Train with our Community as iFIT Trainers Kelsey Sheahan and Kayla Itsines coach you to a better you with 2 strength workouts that will tone your entire body! Join Week 2: Community (Strength) Digital Reward Want to see more of iFIT’s amazing moms in action? Check out our Mother’s Day blog and our “Celebrating Moms” row on the iFIT mobile app or your NordicTrack or ProForm equipment! Week 3: Mind Explore the connection between your body and mind! Take care of yourself during Mental Health Awareness Month with workouts that will revitalize you—inside and out. Complete the workouts from your selected level for Week 3 of the Fitness Month Challenge between May 15 - 21, 2023, and earn a digital reward in your Trophy Case. Stay tuned for Week 4, and elevate your fitness to new places—and new heights! Here are this week’s mini-Challenges: Treadmill and elliptical workouts Walking: Take time for your well-being with iFIT Trainers Adam Sinicki and Dr. Jarrod Spencer! On 2 walking workouts, you’ll learn the importance of mental health for your overall health. Join Week 3: Mind (Walking) Running: Grab your shoes and join iFIT Trainers Adam Sinicki and Dewayne Montgomery for 2 running workouts! You’ll strengthen your body and mind from England to Hawaii to live a healthier life. Join Week 3: Mind (Running) Bike workouts Casual Riding: Make time for you with 2 bike workouts to calm your mind! Ride with iFIT Trainers Shauna Shapiro and George Hincapie in Utah and Hawaii and learn how mental well-being strengthens your body. Join Week 3: Mind (Casual Riding) Amped Cycling: Join iFIT Trainers Shauna Shapiro and Brandon Lyons on 2 cycling workouts and explore mindfulness to live life with purpose! Join Week 3: Mind (Amped Cycling) Rower workouts Rowing: iFIT Trainers Thalia Ayres Randolph and Dr. Eva Selhub teach you to relax your mind, from finding inner balance to the importance of proper nutrition. Join Week 3: Mind (Rowing) Strength workouts Strength: Take some time for self-care today and feel good—body and mind! Join iFIT Trainers Kelsey Wells and Faith Hunter for an upper-body workout and meditation that will boost your strength and confidence. Join Week 3: Mind (Strength) Digital Reward Want to learn more about mindfulness? Check out the Mind section on the iFIT mobile app and our Q&A with iFIT Trainer Casey Gilbert. Week 4: Elevate Elevating your fitness goals means reaching new heights! Experience mountain vistas and hilltop views and aim higher on your journey. Complete the workouts from your selected level for Week 4 of the Fitness Month Challenge between May 22 - 28, 2023, and earn a digital reward in your Trophy Case. Stay tuned for Week 5, and take in the fresh air as we go outside and explore nature’s tropical beauty. Here are this week’s mini-Challenges: Treadmill and elliptical workouts Walking: Elevate your fitness with iFIT Trainers Heather Jenson and Graham McTavish! Explore Hawaii and Scotland on 2 hiking workouts and find your peak performance. Join Week 4: Elevate (Walking) Running: Raise the bar on your health with 2 running workouts led by iFIT Trainers Tommy Rivs Puzey and Ashley Paulson! Explore Easter Island and Japan and elevate your goals. Join Week 4: Elevate (Running) Bike workouts Casual Riding: Elevate your fitness to new heights with iFIT Trainers John Peel and Jenny Fletcher! Join them for 2 bike workouts in Costa Rica and Southern California. Join Week 4: Elevate (Casual Riding) Amped Cycling: It’s time to elevate your fitness to new destinations! iFIT Trainers Ryan Petry and Tommy Rivs Puzey lead the way on 2 cycling workouts, so get ready for a thrilling adventure. Join Week 4: Elevate (Amped Cycling) Rower workouts Rowing: From Slovenia to Montana, join iFIT Trainers Alex Gregory and Susan Francia for 2 rowing workouts! Elevate your power and speed before enjoying a sunset row to boost your goals. Join Week 4: Elevate (Rowing) Strength workouts Strength: Travel to Iceland and Portugal with iFIT Trainers Jonnie Gale and Hannah Eden and elevate your routine! Tone your body with 2 strength workouts and explore new destinations. Join Week 4: Elevate (Strength) Digital Reward Check out the iFIT Library and explore more workouts featuring inclines and majestic mountain views! Week 5: Nature Return to nature and gain a new perspective on your fitness goals! From boosting your mood to revving up your immune system and more, the benefits are endless. Complete the workouts from your selected level for Week 5 of the Fitness Month Challenge between May 29 - June 4, 2023, and earn a digital reward in your Trophy Case. Stay tuned for Week 6, and cap off the Fitness Month Challenge with dynamic movement to rejuvenate and revitalize you. Here are this week’s mini-Challenges: Treadmill and elliptical workouts Walking: Soak up the sun in Saint Lucia and Oahu! iFIT Trainers Chris Clark and Jamie Mitchell take you on 2 walking workouts as you learn to connect with nature. Join Week 5: Nature (Walking) Running: Experience nature in Tanzania and French Polynesia! iFIT Trainers Knox Robinson and John Peel take you on an adventure with 2 running workouts. Join Week 5: Nature (Running) Bike workouts Casual Riding: Head outside and enjoy nature with iFIT Trainers Ashley Davis and John Peel in Hawaii and French Polynesia! Breathe in the summer air with 2 bike workouts and feel those good vibrations. Join Week 5: Nature (Casual Riding) Amped Cycling: Put on your shades and hit the beach with iFIT Trainers Richard Biglia and Casey Zaugg! See nature’s beauty in Puerto Rico and Vietnam on 2 cycling workouts. Join Week 5: Nature (Amped Cycling) Rower workouts Rowing: Explore Martinique and French Polynesia with iFIT Trainers Alex Gregory and Kevin Scott for 2 rowing workouts! Take in nature’s tropical vibes while challenging your speed and strength. Join Week 5: Nature (Rowing) Strength workouts Strength: Get out in nature and hit the beach with iFIT Trainers Hannah Eden and Chris Clark! Improve your flexibility and mobility in Iceland and Hawaii. Join Week 5: Nature (Strength) Digital Reward Week 6: Movement You were born to get up and go, so experience the power of movement for your body, mind, and overall health! As we wrap up the Fitness Month Challenge, June 7 marks Global Running Day! So, lace up your sneakers and check out our running workouts on the iFIT app to celebrate with us! Complete the workouts from your selected level for Week 6 of the Fitness Month Challenge between June 5 - 7, 2023, and earn a digital reward in your Trophy Case. Here is this week’s mini-Challenge: Move your body with iFIT Trainers Keith Mitchell and Gerell Webb! Enjoy a dynamic yoga workout and finish with mobility stretching to unwind. This mini-Challenge is available for all modalities and levels. Join Week 6: Movement Digital Reward Fitness Month Challenge FAQs How much time do I have to complete each mini-Challenge? For your selected level, you will have 1 week to complete the mini-Challenge for Weeks 1 - 5 and 3 days to complete the mini-Challenge for Week 6. The schedule is as follows: Week 1: May 1 - 7 Week 2: May 8 - 14 Week 3: May 15 - 21 Week 4: May 22 - 28 Week 5: May 29 - June 4 Week 6: June 5 - 7 Why is the Fitness Month Challenge 6 weeks long? The Challenge is 6 weeks long in celebration of National Fitness Month in May and ends with Global Running Day on June 7, 2023. What is the Fitness Month Challenge T-shirt? A first-of-its-kind celebration commemorating the Fitness Month Challenge, we are offering members who complete any of the 6 mini-Challenges the option to purchase an exclusive Fitness Month Challenge T-shirt. Please note: we are sorry, but the Fitness Month Challenge T-shirt is not available to international iFIT members. If I do not purchase a Fitness Month Challenge T-shirt, will I still receive a digital reward? Yes. You will receive a digital reward for completing any and/or all of the Fitness Month Challenge mini-Challenges. When will I get the link to order a Fitness Month Challenge T-shirt? Your Challenge completion email to order will arrive by Monday, June 12, 2023. When is the deadline to order a Fitness Month Challenge T-shirt? The deadline to order is Friday, June 23, 2023. When will my T-shirt arrive? You can expect the T-shirt to arrive within 4 weeks after the deadline. Disclaimer: This blog post is not intended to replace the advice of a medical professional. The above information should not be used to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or medical condition. Please consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet, sleep methods, daily activity, or fitness routine. iFIT assumes no responsibility for any personal injury or damage sustained by any recommendations, opinions, or advice given in this article. Always follow the safety precautions included in the owner’s manual of your fitness equipment.

In November, we released a cornucopia of workout series across treadmill, elliptical, and bike. From Uzbekistan to Iceland and Wales to Hawaii, this month’s workout series took members all over the globe! Whether you ran in Central Asia, biked in Tennessee, or hiked in Oregon, there were exciting releases suited for everyone. Don’t miss out on all-new series for your iFIT-enabled equipment! Here are all of the workout series that were released. Treadmill and elliptical workout series Bike workout series iFIT Mind™ workout series Which workout series did you try in November? Did you work on endurance in the grandeur of Snowdonia National Park? Or did you give the Gran Fondo Race a go with Jenny? The year is coming to an end, so hop into a few new workout series to finish strong! Disclaimer: This blog post is not intended to replace the advice of a medical professional. The above information should not be used to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or medical condition. Please consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet, sleep methods, daily activity, or fitness routine. iFIT assumes no responsibility for any personal injury or damage sustained by any recommendations, opinions, or advice given in this article. Always follow the safety precautions included in the owner’s manual of your fitness equipment.

As a multidisciplinary healer, iFIT Trainer Thalia Ayres Randolph utilizes shamanism, Taoism, yoga, and other spiritual practices to inspire and teach others how to uncover and magnify their own light. Thalia believes that the pursuit of enlightenment is a human birthright and is on a mission to help others understand the role they play in their own healing. Working with clients from all walks and stages of life, Thalia believes that in order to transform the outside world, we must first start from within. We caught up with Thalia, who filled us in on how she approaches mental health and the methods she uses as a healer. How do you mentally prepare for a workout? I always use music to get me in the mood! Do you have a philosophy that you live by? My favorite quote is: “As we expand, life becomes simple.” The more that we grow and expand our awareness, we realize that we need less—not more—to be happy and fulfilled. What keeps you motivated when you don’t feel your best? Reading has always been my greatest motivator. I love turning to authors like Marianne Williamson, Thich Nhat Hanh, Carolyn Myss, Lynn Mctaggart, and Adyashanti when I'm feeling uninspired. Another favorite motivator is Oprah Winfrey's Super Soul Podcast. I take my dog for a walk and listen to an episode almost every day. It's incredibly healing. What experiences led you to become a multidisciplinary healer? Transforming adversity leads to deeper healing and awakening. Life's challenges are what force us to go deeper within and start our spiritual journey. I wouldn't be where I am today if it wasn't for experiences that brought me to my knees and forced me to look within and find meaning. I share the tools that continue to support me so that I can help others at different stages along their path. What advice would you give to someone new to spiritual work? How can they begin working on themselves from within? Read as much as you can about the spiritual topics that interest you and incorporate yoga and meditation exercises into your life! Those are the practices that have changed me and continue to support me in my evolution! What book is a must-read for those who want to improve their mental health? "No Mud, No Lotus: The Art of Transforming Suffering" by Thich Nhat Hanh. There is also a fun, pocket-sized book by him called "The Mindfulness Survival Kit," which illustrates how to invite mindfulness into your daily activities. Any other book by Thich Nhat Hanhim is amazing! What piece of advice would you give to someone navigating a challenging time in their life? Remember that you are never alone and that simply waking up today with your breath is enough. Life will always ebb and flow, so it can be incredibly helpful to use meditation practice as a way to stay connected to what really matters. For every dark night, there is a brighter day. Are there things you do or daily practices that you partake in to stay mentally strong? Yoga, meditation, walking, and hiking are my favorite activities that I do throughout the week! Taking time for myself on a daily basis is non-negotiable! What's your favorite part of your job? I love that my job keeps me committed to my spiritual growth and development as a human. It forces me to keep growing and expand beyond what I thought was ever possible. I also love that I get to be of service to other people, facilitate a space for healing, and be a vessel to spread ancient wisdom to the masses. The path is not easy, but it is an honor, which makes me feel fulfilled. Ready to begin practicing mindfulness and meditation exercises with Thalia? Join one of her restorative iFIT series this month! Meet up with her in Costa Rica for yoga, mindfulness, and walking workouts that will help deepen your mind-body connection. These relaxing workout series are perfect for starting off the morning or winding down in the evening. Disclaimer: This blog post is not intended to replace the advice of a medical professional. The above information should not be used to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or medical condition. Please consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet, sleep methods, daily activity, or fitness routine. iFIT assumes no responsibility for any personal injury or damage sustained by any recommendations, opinions, or advice given in this article. Always follow the safety precautions included in the owner’s manual of your fitness equipment. Opinions of iFIT Trainers are their own and may not be those of iFIT.

These days, many of us are working on improving our mental health. Now more than ever, people feel comfortable speaking about mental health and seeking ways to relieve stress, improve focus, and calm anxiety. Mindfulness and meditation are hot topics in the mental health sphere, as they’re easy to get started with and offer real benefits with regular practice. Because they’re so similar, mindfulness and meditation are often used interchangeably. The two are not synonymous, but instead, separate practices. A Harvard University study showed that a surprising 46.9% spend time thinking about things other than what they’re doing. The mind wanders away from the task at hand to other things in the present, from the past, or in the future. This loss of focus can bring on feelings of frustration and discouragement, which make it even more difficult to return to the original task. This is why mindfulness and meditation have garnered so much praise in the last few years. These practices, though different, each ask you to bring your focus to a specific place. With mindfulness, this could be as informal as noticing the temperature of running water or observing the space around you. With meditation, this focus is usually turned inward in a more formal manner. It can be confusing when distinguishing the two practices apart, so we’re outlining the specifics of mindfulness and meditation and how to practice them. This will help you choose the right meditation or mindfulness workout next time you’re ready to dive into a new workout series from iFIT Mind™. What is mindfulness? You may have heard of mindful eating or mindful listening, but what does “mindful” mean? Mindfulness is a simple practice that asks you to be present, notice your surroundings, and pay attention. When the mind wanders, mindfulness brings it back to the present moment without judgment. Here are a few ways that mindfulness differs from meditation. Informal exercises Mindfulness is something you already know how to do. Because of this, it’s really not an exact practice, but more of a quality that you’re working on embracing. When you bring your attention to the present after a few minutes of “zoning out,” that is mindfulness. Since mindfulness is informal, it can be practiced when it best suits your needs. You can engage in mindfulness exercises during work tasks, while eating, listening to others speak, or anything else. For many, this is more accessible than formal meditation exercises. Focus is placed on something specific Mindfulness calls the mind to notice the outer life. Many of us are multitasking masters out of necessity as we balance families, friends, careers, and hobbies. As we get caught up in the fray of day-to-day life, we begin to stop noticing the outer life. Have you ever forgotten what you had for breakfast or arrived at a destination without recalling the drive there? Life gets busy, and with that, we can sometimes forget to live in the present. Instead of chastising yourself for feeling unfocused or as if you’re just going through the motions, you can instead get into the habit of mindfulness exercises. In mindfulness exercises, you focus your attention on an object, a feeling, or your surroundings. There are many different types of mindfulness exercises that gently bring you to consciousness in the present moment. Take the 5-4-3-2-1 method. In this mindfulness exercise, you name five things you can hear, four things you can see, three things you touch, two things you can smell, and one you can taste. By naming these different things, the mind must be fully present to answer. Mindfulness workouts can also include physical activities, such as yoga, martial arts (like Tai Chi), and walking. What is meditation? Meditation is another avenue of becoming self-aware, except in a formal package. Meditation requires a greater time commitment to fully reap the long-term benefits. Unlike mindfulness, meditation is a bonafide practice. That is to say, you can be mindful without practice, but you cannot meditate without learning the ways to do it. Essentially, mindfulness simply enriches the meditation experience. There are many different types of meditation, including mindfulness meditation, spiritual meditation, mantra meditation, and others. A meditation workout can help set the tone for the day or ease you into a good night’s rest. After all, meditation is a workout for your mind. Though intertwined with mindfulness, meditation has distinct characteristics that separate the two practices. Formal exercises When you think of meditation, you might think of people repeating “om” with criss-crossed legs. This is mantra meditation, a popular type of meditation that relies on a mantra to clear the mind. While not all meditation types are like this one, they are formal in this manner. To engage in meditation, you must first be mindful to become in tune with your inner life. In meditation, you need time to allow yourself to be present with your thoughts. Usually, a meditation class can last from five minutes to an hour. Although it’s not an instantaneous process, meditation offers a space for people to be at full consciousness with themselves. During a stressful period, meditation exercise may help calm the mind, ease stress, and regain clarity. While mindfulness exercises can also provide stress relief, meditation is a more sophisticated practice that can become an essential part of your mornings or evenings. You can also join a structured meditation class led by an instructor. Doing so will also help you develop the skills you need to successfully meditate for a home workout to begin your day refreshed or wrap up your evening. Focus is placed on the inner life In meditation exercises, the mind focuses inward to become an observer of the thoughts. Typically, the breath guides the meditation session as you relax your mind and disconnect from the outside world for your set amount of time. Depending on your chosen type of mediation, you may repeat a mantra or affirmative phrase such as “So Hum,” “om,” or something else that resonates with you. You may opt for breathing as your guide instead, which is what you’ll find in mindfulness meditation. During your meditation, thoughts will begin to wander. This is where mindfulness and meditation differ; instead of calling the mind away and back into consciousness, we sit with and observe these thoughts. Here, you may notice a trend in your thought patterns. Maybe they’re surprisingly negative or riddled with worry. As you practice meditating, you’ll be able to reach that place of stillness more easily. Mindfulness in practice Depending on your available time, one of these practices may be better than the other. If you have a busy day ahead, mindfulness exercises may be ideal, as you can go about your day without needing to take an extended pause. However, if you wish to have space in your day for rejuvenating your mind, meditation exercises may be the better option. It’s incredibly easy to get started with mindfulness exercises, as you already know how to become self-aware. Since there are many different ways to practice mindfulness, you can try several exercises to see which suits you best. Some prefer to use their senses to return to the present. Others like to use anchoring phrases, such as stating their name and where they are at that exact moment. You can practice when you wake up in the morning when you’re brushing your teeth or preparing your breakfast. Notice how the toothbrush feels against your teeth or the flavor of your toothpaste. What are you preparing for breakfast? What does it smell like? Paying attention to small details like this will help you become more mindful. You’ll be able to slow down and, in time, learn to carry that mindfulness into other aspects of your life. Mindfulness meditation in practice As mentioned before, you must be mindful in order to successfully meditate. Mindfulness meditation uses the self-awareness of mindfulness with the aim of clearing and focusing the mind. During this type of meditation class, you’re not focusing on the same things as you would with mindfulness alone. For example, you won’t be observing the room with the five senses or placing your hands in warm water. In a mindfulness meditation home gym workout, you’ll be seated in a comfortable position (though walking meditation is wonderful for those with practice) with focus on your breath or on a mantra. As you notice your breathing or mantra, observe your thoughts and emotions without judgment. During this time, it’s important to be gentle with yourself and accept whatever thoughts pass through your mind during meditation. At the close of your meditation, check in with yourself to notice how you feel. Try an iFIT mindfulness or meditation exercise Now that you know the differences between mindfulness and meditation, you might feel ready to take on an all-new journey to improve your mental well-being. Although different from a physical fitness workout, a mindfulness or meditation exercise offers a restorative home workout. When you sign up for a free 30-day trial of iFIT, you can use the fitness app to access our brand-new iFIT Mind category. Here, you’ll find the latest mindfulness and meditation workouts led by world-class personal trainers and guides. Not sure where to begin? Here are our most popular meditation and mindfulness classes, each of which offers a unique and refreshing experience. Anxiety: Work It Out Series iFIT Guide Dr. Jarrod Spencer Hawaii Walking & Meditation Series with iFIT Trainers Emi Erickson and Jamie Mitchell Heart To Heart: On Acceptance with iFIT Trainer Jesse Corbin Jamaica Hatha Yoga Series with iFIT Trainer Faith Hunter Mind of the Athlete with iFIT Guide Dr. Jarrod Spencer Mood Food: Nutrition For Your Mind with iFIT Guide Dr. Eva Selhub These meditation and mindfulness workouts are perfect for any time of the day and can be done in the comfort of your home. There is something for everyone with these, so join a mindfulness class to give your mind the space to relax and unwind. Get going with iFIT Mind today! These are just a few of the mindfulness and meditation workout series we have to offer in our workout Library! With our mindfulness app, you can also browse through many other meditation classes on your mobile device, some of which are specifically audio-only for on-the-go stress relief. When you sign up for our meditation app, you’ll gain access to iFIT Mind workouts, as well as thousands of other immersive workout series all over the globe. You’ll have your very own personal trainer leading the way, challenging you to show up for yourself and start feeling better one step at a time. With iFIT, you can improve your physical and mental fitness at the same time. Disclaimer: This blog post is not intended to replace the advice of a medical professional. The above information should not be used to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or medical condition. Please consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet, sleep methods, daily activity, or fitness routine. iFIT assumes no responsibility for any personal injury or damage sustained by any recommendations, opinions, or advice given in this article. Always follow the safety precautions included in the owner’s manual of your fitness equipment.

From HIIT intervals in the rich landscapes of Vietnam to restorative yoga exercises on peaceful beaches in Panama, June delivered an amazing lineup of workout series. To top it off, members had the exciting opportunity to team up with professional soccer player, Alex Morgan, for her exhilarating cardio and strength workouts. Did you miss out on a series this month? Here’s a breakdown of all of iFIT’s latest workout series! Treadmill and elliptical workout series Bike workout series Rower workout series Yoga workout series Strength workout series iFIT Mind™ workout Which workout series did you complete in June? If you have your eye on one that you’d like to try, simply select a workout series and schedule when you’d like to begin it. We’re just heating up with our summer releases, so stay tuned for all that we have in store for July! Disclaimer: This blog post is not intended to replace the advice of a medical professional. The above information should not be used to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or medical condition. Please consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet, sleep methods, daily activity, or fitness routine. iFIT assumes no responsibility for any personal injury or damage sustained by any recommendations, opinions, or advice given in this article. Always follow the safety precautions included in the owner’s manual of your fitness equipment.

Over the past year, the importance of mental health has become a common topic of discussion. With the rise of the ever-popular mindfulness app, people are looking for easier ways to cope with stress and find better focus on the tasks at hand. Luckily, being mindful is something that we already do. The trick is learning how to access it, so that you can benefit from it as needed. How do you get started with mindfulness exercises? What can you expect from it? Is it really much different than exercising your body? Is a meditation workout worth your time? We break down everything you need to know about mindfulness so you can work on areas like anxiety, stress, staying in the present moment, and focusing your mind. Getting into the practice of mindfulness will help you and all those you interact with daily. What is Mindfulness? Mindfulness is a word we often hear, but what does it really mean to be mindful? Jeanne Mahon, Director of the Center for Wellness at Harvard University Health Services, describes mindfulness as “the practice of being aware of what’s going on in the moment.” That is the essence of mindfulness! Another important part of mindfulness, as Mindful Magazine notes, is to “not be overly reactive or overwhelmed by what’s going on around us.” Many of us live fast-paced lives, focused on everyday tasks to check off before the day turns to night. Maybe your day feels monotonous in this way as you go to work, come home, eat dinner, and prepare to do the same thing the next day. Mindfulness exists as a tool to break us out of that autopilot headspace. Practicing mindfulness isn't learning something new. We are naturally aware of our surroundings and our place within them. However, it’s very easy to lose sight of that awareness when life happens. At some point, many have felt that they were going through the motions or in a fretful “what-if” state of mind. Plus, mental health in the United States has become a significant concern. In 2020, COVID-19 fractured the normal lives of millions of Americans. According to Mental Health America, “The number of people looking for help with anxiety and depression has skyrocketed.” In the mix of all of this, it’s easy for people to feel distressed. While not a cure, mindfulness exercises offer a way to improve your psychological health by bringing your mind to full consciousness. Learning how to embrace mindfulness can even have positive effects on your physical well-being. Here are some of the most important benefits that mindfulness exercises can provide. Benefits of Mindfulness Maybe you’re thinking, “Mindfulness seems too simple to be effective.” It is true that mindfulness is a simple concept. After all, self-awareness is not a new skill. You can stop and think about your body, what you’re doing, and where you are at any given moment. When you do this, you become fully present to answer questions like these. When regularly practiced with technique, you might be surprised by the impact that mindfulness has on your life. Contributes to Better Psychological Health One of the most prominent benefits of mindfulness is its profound effect on mental health. We live in a fast-paced society, where working, eating, and moving quickly are praised. Because of this, it can be challenging to wrap your head around slowing down. However, that is precisely what your mind needs. Just like your body after a workout, your brain also needs recovery time. When was the last time you were able to truly slow down? For some, it only happens on rare occasions. A recent mindfulness study concluded that mindfulness “brings about various positive psychological effects, including increased subjective wellbeing, reduced psychological symptoms and emotional reactivity, and improved behavioral regulation.” This means that engaging in mindfulness exercises, like meditation, can genuinely improve your mental health. Psychotherapists often employ mindfulness techniques in treatment plans, helping clients learn how to manage their anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and much more. By helping clients turn their thoughts away from potentially negative or harmful thinking, mindfulness acts as a skill they can regularly rely on to promote better psychological health. Easy to Access and Cultivate Mindfulness isn’t like learning a new physical exercise. It takes just a few minutes to discover a wealth of valuable techniques to employ whenever you’d like. Mindfulness is accessible to anyone willing to devote time to themselves! It can be cultivated without feeling as though you need to change something about yourself. It’s about becoming more self-aware and allowing yourself to truly connect with your humanness. Mindfulness is also about learning to refrain from judgment. For example, it’s common for people to reprimand themselves for letting their minds wander away from a task. Mindfulness is easy to integrate into situations like these, as you would redirect your mind to focus on body sensations to return to the present moment. For mindfulness exercises to truly work, you must become comfortable with being forgiving and kind to yourself. Improves Physical Health There is a direct link between your mental and physical health. When you’re struggling mentally, your body begins to show signs of that stress. Stress increases cortisol levels, which can be detrimental to your long-term health. While it works as the body’s alarm system, cortisol is triggered by stressful events. Unfortunately, the body cannot distinguish between life-threatening events and less serious issues, like monthly bills. Stress is stress to our bodies, and with that stress comes upticks in cortisol levels. Fortunately, stress doesn’t have to take control of your life. Mindfulness exercises can help improve your physical health by reducing high cortisol levels. This can have a considerable impact on your life, especially if you experience high-stress situations regularly. Even a short, 15-minute meditation class can have lasting positive effects on your stress levels. It can also help by lowering your blood pressure, improving sleep, and relieving gastrointestinal issues. These are just a few problems that mindfulness can positively affect. As you work to calm your mind and focus on the present, you can allow yourself to relax more frequently, keeping your stress low. Allows You to Live in the Present While it’s often said to live in the moment, it can be challenging to do so with intention regularly. We all worry about different things—family, work, finances, the country, or even the world. It’s almost impossible to live in the present when you’re caught up in the “what-ifs” of tomorrow! Mindfulness exercises call you to become fully aware of your body in the now. During this time, you might notice your breathing or the feeling of the floor under your feet. Living in the future detracts from life in the present, which is crucial to your overall well-being. By practicing mindfulness, you can better understand your body in the present. How you’re feeling and what you’re doing today matters so much more than spending time planning for things to go wrong in the future. This is not to say to only live in the present, but instead not to allow yourself to rush your today for tomorrow. Cuts Down on Distraction and Unhelpful Rumination People can become distracted from their loved ones and career when the mind is unfocused. There are two types of distraction: internal and external. These can derail your day-to-day life, especially if you find yourself becoming distracted often. Have you ever obsessively thought about something to the point that it became a distraction? Maybe you felt worried over a future decision or your ability to excel in a certain situation. Rumination, while it can be useful, can often become unhelpful. As an internal distraction, negative rumination is a bit more complicated to bring yourself away from. Practicing mindfulness will give you the ability to recognize what you’re doing and, without judgment, direct your thoughts to the present moment. While it may take practice, this will help you become less prone to allowing yourself to ruminate on negative events. External distractions are much easier to distance yourself from. Popular media, like Facebook or TikTok, offers an avenue to shut off the mind. When there are stressors present (like a large project at work or a recent argument with a loved one), phones, TVs, and computers offer convenient ways to take your mind off your real problems. Mindfulness can help you refocus your mind so you can address your stressors, instead of avoiding them. Easy Ways to Begin Mindfulness Exercises With just a few spare minutes a day, you can begin practicing mindfulness exercises. There are several different types of exercises that will help you feel more relaxed and fully conscious. Try these mindfulness exercises out at work, before bed, or in other situations when you feel the need to slow and recenter the mind. Mindfulness Meditation Meditation is a formal way of practicing mindfulness. It requires intent and takes a bit more commitment than simply bringing your attention to everyday things, like the smell of a cup of coffee or the feeling of your pet’s fur. However, meditation exercises can provide a sense of serenity that leaves you with a clearer mind. One of the best ways to step into meditation is by focusing your attention on your breath. Breathing exercises are a great way to quickly regulate your emotions, stop rumination, and help yourself concentrate when an undesirable situation occurs. While there are different ways to do these meditation workouts, here’s one you can begin with. Find a quiet place to sit in a comfortable position. With your eyes closed, focus your mind on your breathing as the air passes through your nose. Release any tension you notice in your body and allow yourself to relax. Notice how your body feels in this moment as you continue to breathe. If your mind wanders, recognize that it is natural to do this and redirect it back to your breathing. Stay in this moment for five minutes, focused on the natural flow of your breath. Grounding Techniques There are many different kinds of effective grounding techniques that direct your mind to the present. If you’re feeling distressed, these techniques help you move away from negative thoughts back to what’s going on in the present moment by using your five senses. Here are a few you can add to your mindfulness exercise playbook. 1. The 5-4-3-2-1 method Using your senses, begin by looking around the space you’re currently occupying. Name five things you can hear, four you can see, three you can touch, two you can smell, and one you can taste. These things do not need to be special—paint colors, cabinet hardware, and even desk supplies will suffice. 2. Place your hands in water Head over to a sink and place your hands in the water. Notice the temperature and how it feels from your fingertips to your palms and the backs of your hands. Switch up the temperature and repeat the process. 3. Recite an anchoring phrase These phrases can be quite simple, with something similar to, “My name is Jane. I live in Los Angeles, California. Today’s date is Friday, July 2. I am lying on my couch.” You can add more to these anchoring phrases with further details. Describe the day’s weather, what your plans are, or if you’re feeling hungry or thirsty. 4. Touch something comforting When feeling distressed, touch something that feels good to you. Maybe you have a favorite shirt, ring, necklace, or other items that help you feel calm. Notice how you feel when you touch your chosen item. If you can, try to keep a favorite item or texture with you at your desk or on the go. Try an iFIT Mind™ Workout Series While the above mindfulness exercises are incredibly useful, you might feel that you’re interested in exploring this practice more in depth. That’s where iFIT Mind™ can be a game changer for your mental well-being. That’s right—iFIT isn’t just a physical fitness app! As our newest workout category, iFIT Mind™ offers an array of holistic, interactive workout series led by expert personal trainers and guides. These can be done in your home gym so you feel comfortable and willing to begin the journey to bettering your mental health. Our mindfulness workout series are designed to help you make meaningful, sustainable changes in your life that not only impact you, but those around you. Not sure where to start? Consider these mindfulness workout series: Breathwork SeriesCosta Rica Sound Bath Series with iFIT Trainer Thalia Ayres RandolphAnxiety: Work it Out Series with iFIT Guide Dr. Jarrod SpencerMood Food: Nutrition For Your Mind with iFIT Guide Dr. Eva SelhubPanama Meditation Series with iFIT Trainer Faith Hunter These mindfulness classes promote whole body well-being over time with practice. Your personal trainer and guide will give you the mental tools to pull yourself into the present and become fully aware of your surroundings. Best of all, you can use these workout series as your daily home workout. Each mindfulness class offers a unique, refreshing experience, so give them all a shot! Start an iFIT Mindfulness Workout Today There’s almost nothing better than having a motivating workout partner to hold you accountable. When you’re ready to begin creating lasting change for your mental health, our meditation app is there to help you along your journey! With iFIT, you have complete access to our massive Workout Library with meditation classes to exercise your mental fitness. While some of these mindfulness series consist of walking workouts, others feature restorative yoga classes, tranquil meditation exercise techniques, and even sound healing. Disclaimer: This blog post is not intended to replace the advice of a medical professional. The above information should not be used to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or medical condition. Please consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet, sleep methods, daily activity, or fitness routine. iFIT assumes no responsibility for any personal injury or damage sustained by any recommendations, opinions, or advice given in this article. Always follow the safety precautions included in the owner’s manual of your fitness equipment.

In May, we hit the ground running with a variety of workout series across all of our equipment types! We introduced a new category called iFIT Mind™ and released several workout series focused on improving different aspects of your mental health. We were also proud to launch the Everest: A Trek To Base Camp Series, a rare and exciting opportunity to hike up Everest with three experienced iFIT Guides. All in all, May 2021 was filled with milestones! Here are all of the workout series that were released. Treadmill and elliptical workout series Bike workout series Rower workout series Yoga workout series iFIT Mind™ workout series Did you check out iFIT Mind with iFIT Guide Dr. Selhub and iFIT Trainer Thalia Randolph? Or did you begin your hike up the snowy terrain of Mt. Everest? As we head into the summer months, buckle up for some fun and exciting workout series starting in June! DISCLAIMER: This blog post is not intended to replace the advice of a medical professional. The above information should not be used to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or medical condition. Please consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet, sleep methods, daily activity, or fitness routine. iFIT assumes no responsibility for any personal injury or damage sustained by any recommendations, opinions, or advice given in this article. Always follow the safety precautions included in the owner’s manual of your fitness equipment.

After struggling with postpartum depression, iFIT member Breanna Maurer found the support she needed from the iFIT community to get back to doing the things she loves most. For her, that includes training for trail races, including an ultramarathon! Breanna was kind enough to share her story with us. Breanna’s story As the mother of two toddlers, I struggled with postpartum depression and, as a result, ended up gaining a lot of weight. With the support of the iFIT family, I've lost weight and just finished my first 50-mile trail run! iFIT Trainer Tommy Rivs Puzey taught me to set a goal, create a plan, and then work tirelessly, so I did just that. I’m currently training for my next ultramarathon, and I’ve never been happier or healthier. I’m very transparent about my story because I want other mothers to know that they aren’t alone and don’t have to accept a version of themselves that isn’t bringing them the happiness they deserve. The amazing iFIT Trainers helped me realize that. Heather Jenson opened up about her postpartum mental health, so I knew that I just needed to keep putting one foot in front of the other. With social media and the iFIT community, I learned that I’m never alone. The trainers aren’t robotic—they speak with love, and the support is incredible! In addition to exercising with iFIT, I’ve also utilized the sports psychology and sleep meditation workout series. I feel so lucky to have these services included in a membership that truly emphasizes my overall health. I simply couldn’t appreciate iFIT more. How did exercise help with your postpartum depression? What advice would you give other new mothers struggling with it? For about two years after my daughter was born, I spent most of my time on the couch making unhealthy decisions...it was like pouring gasoline on a fire. I didn’t want to admit that I had a mental illness. I honestly thought that I had a brain tumor and convinced my doctor that I needed a CT scan. I had to find a way to gain control, so I started by pacing back and forth in my living room for exercise and competing in step count challenges with friends. My head became less cloudy as I began to see results from making better choices. Then we bought a treadmill, and I found iFIT Trainer Tommy Rivs Puzey. He explained time after time how small daily deposits lead to incremental changes. I began troubleshooting my bad days by making sure that I exercised, went outdoors, cleaned something in my home, and ate at least one healthy meal. Over time, I added more nutritious meals, cleaned a little longer, and moved a little more. Eventually, I began feeling well again! My advice to mothers who are struggling—put on an episode of Blue's Clues™ and repeat the words from the closing song: “When you use your mind, take a step at a time, you can do anything that you want to do!” How have the iFIT Mind™ series impacted your mental health? I’ve found iFIT Guides Dr. Jarrod Spencer and George Mumford to be the most helpful for me. They’ve taught me how to find that space I need before I choose how to respond to difficult situations. Dr. Spencer has eased my performance anxiety before big races by helping me realize that I’m simply doing something memorable and that the secret to peak performance is excitement. I found his words comforting and believe that iFIT’s Mind of the Athlete Series to be a contributing factor in my top performances in my most recent races. I placed third overall in the female category in a 25K trail run last weekend! Who are your favorite iFIT Trainers? John Peel and Tommy Rivs Puzey What's been your favorite iFIT workout series that you've completed? Iberian Beginner Running Series What ultramarathon are you training for now? My next is a 50-mile race in Blue Knob, Pennsylvania. I’m already organizing the tools in my mental toolbox! Disclaimer: This blog post is not intended to replace the advice of a medical professional. The above information should not be used to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or medical condition. Please consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet, sleep methods, daily activity, or fitness routine, especially if you are pregnant. iFIT assumes no responsibility for any personal injury or damage sustained by any recommendations, opinions, or advice given in this article. Always follow the safety precautions included in the owner’s manual of your fitness equipment. Opinions of iFIT members are not necessarily the opinions of iFIT.