What is Exercise Psychology?

Welcome to March’s Brave Mind article in the bsporty magazine! To build on our introduction to sport psychology last month, this month we are looking at exercise psychology to help you understand what it is, and what an exercise psychologist does!

Have you ever wanted to get better at sports or exercise, but you felt like something was holding you back? Well, that’s where exercise psychology comes in! Exercise psychology is all about using the power of your brain to help you become a better sportsperson and enjoy exercising even more.

So, what exactly does an exercise psychologist do? They use their knowledge of how your brain works to help you set and achieve goals, manage your emotions, and overcome any obstacles that might be holding you back. They work with people of all ages, from kids to adults, and they can help with all kinds of physical activities, from sports to dance to just staying active and healthy.

Here are some examples of how they can help:

If you’re feeling nervous before a big game or competition, we can teach you some techniques to help calm your mind and focus on the task at hand.
If you’re struggling to stay motivated to exercise regularly, we can help you set realistic goals and find ways to make exercise more fun and enjoyable.
If you’ve experienced an injury or setback, we can help you stay positive and find ways to adapt your exercise routine so you can keep moving and improving.

Now, let’s ask some questions to see how you can apply some of these ideas to your own life!
What is something that you wish you were better at in sports or exercise? Maybe you want to run faster, jump higher, or be more flexible.
What are some things that make it hard for you to stay motivated to exercise? Is it boredom, lack of time, or something else?
Have you ever experienced a setback that made it hard to exercise, like an injury or illness? How did you feel, and what did you do to get back on track?

By thinking about these questions, you can learn more about yourself and develop the skills you need to enjoy exercise more. So, next time you’re out on the field or playing sport with your friends, remember that your brain is just as important as your muscles.

Thank you to Brave Mind! Find out more about this incredible team and their Sports Psychologists at www.bravemind.co.uk