4 lifechanging secret tips to get the best results when you exercise!

The Joy of Flow!

‘Flow’ is something that we think about a lot at Bua Fit; the pure state of enjoyment we get from our HIIT session in the park, or an outdoor yoga class on a beautiful day.

We owe the definition of ‘flow’ to a Hungarian psychologist, named Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi. He defined flow as:

“a state in which people are so involved in an activity that nothing else seems to matter; the experience is so enjoyable that people will continue to do it even at great cost, for the sheer sake of doing it.”

Csikszentmihalyi identified certain criteria that all come together to create a flow state. You’ll know you find it when the criteria are fulfilled:

Complete focus: This means getting completely involved with what you want to, and blocking off time dedicated to it.

1. Clarity of Purpose: Being definitive about what it is you need to do or achieve. Get more aerobically fit? Or improve flexibility? Having that clarity helps to immerse in the task.
2. Challenge to Skill: This is a key component of flow – the task needs to be a challenge to you, but you have the necessary skill to achieve it. If it seems insurmountable, you won’t achieve flow. Basically, you need to know that’s it’s going to be tough, but that you can do it.
3. Complete Immersion: You don’t check the clock. You don’t check your phone. You’re not worried about that email you haven’t replied to. You’re in the zone, and nothing is going to mess with that.
4. Intrinsic Motivation: Your motivated by doing the best you can, for you. There is no external reward, and if there is, you don’t care about it. You’re trying to excel, for you.

How could you start to think about finding flow with your fitness? Check out our group classes and see if you experience the  ‘Joy of Flow’

As always, stay fit, and stay healthy!
– Team Bua Fit