6 things you need to know about the new mindful cardio trend

Looking for a vigorous physical and mental workout? Mindful cardio might just be the answer
Aimee McLaughlin7 April 2016

It’s well known that physical and mental endurance can often go hand in hand. Just think about the combined level of fitness and willpower of the runners taking part in the London marathon later this month. But what if exercise became a way for the body to train the brain, as well as for the brain to train the body? As Equinox in Kensington launches its new hour long mental and physical workout class – HeadStrong – in May, we unravel the new mindful cardio trend sweeping London.

1. You get the best of both worlds

Mindful cardio is unlike any class you’ve ever taken at the gym before in the sense that you dip in and out of a bunch of different exercises. Expect a mixture of cardio, strength training and regeneration – but above all, brain training. It’s been designed to get your heart and mind pumping in unison, treating the brain just like any other muscle in the body.

2. It involves four simple stages

The hour-long Headstrong class is broken up into four different sections – Focus, Adapt, Willpower and Reboot – all of which target different parts of your body and mind. 'Focus' takes you back to basics, starting with small movements like rolling over and gradually building up to higher intensity exercises. 'Adapt' then adds equipment such as ViPR (vitality, performance, conditioning) into the mix and switches up the intensity. 'Willpower' is designed to improve – you guessed it – your mental and physical willpower. It involves lots of planking, but don’t expect to be told how long you have to hold it for. Finally, 'Reboot' brings together calming music with guided breath-work and relaxed mental focus.

HeadStrong - in pictures

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3. Ditch the high intensity music

You might be used to listening high-powered house beats and thumping basslines to get you pumped while working out, but HeadStrong takes a slightly different approach to music and fitness. The team behind it have curated a playlist designed to stimulate your mind and reflect the format of the class itself. Expect to hear everything from white noise to tracks from the Cirque du Soleil soundtrack.

4. Stimulate the senses

In keeping with the unusual musical selection, the entire workout has been created as a full sensory immersion experience. That includes everything from the lighting, which changes hue according to the level of intensity at certain points of the class, as well as using stimulating scents during the more active parts and calming aromas like eucalyptus towels and lavender oil for the regeneration section.

5. Mindful cardio can combat mental health problems

Science says that exercise combining mental and physical agility can help fight common mental health issues including anxiety, stress and depression. A recent study commissioned by the Sport and Recreation Alliance, the Professional Player’s Federation and mental health charity Mind revealed that 80 per cent of those surveyed agreed that mental health is improved if they exercise or remain physically active.

6. The BEST post-class feeling

You will leave feeling as renewed and relaxed as though you just got out of a yoga class, but also with the heart pumping endorphin rush that only comes with an intense physical workout.

Follow Aimee McLaughlin on Twitter @Aimee_Mc1

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