Curious about meditation? Here’s how I found the benefits of meditation on my Peloton journey.

Like many Peloton users, I’m a Type A, and I’ve been so pretty much all of my life.  And also like many Peloton users, that translated into always going 100% all out in everything I did. If it wasn’t getting my heart rate at least up to the orange zone, it didn’t feel like it counted!

But a few years ago, I realized that I needed to do a little slowing down to help reduce stress due to my crazy work life (definitely not helped by a pandemic), and promote physical recovery in my workout life.  And with the availability of Peloton Meditation (which I admittedly found very intimidating at first), I got curious about meditation.  What is it all about?  Is it right for me?  And most importantly, how could I get going without feeling like a self-conscious, new-age flower child?

I did a lot of research, and I’m here to share.  One thing that I learned is that meditation looks different for everyone.  How (and when) you practice meditation is greatly informed by what you are looking to accomplish.  Somebody that is looking to start the day off with high energy levels is not going to look the same as somebody who uses a sleep meditation to reduce anxiety and get a good night’s rest.  Somebody that is integrating meditation as part of an overall physical health practice may not practice in the same way as somebody who is looking to deepen their spirituality.

But meditation is all of this and more.  It is an ancient practice that has been used for thousands of years to enhance one’s overall well-being. It is a powerful tool that promotes physical, mental, and emotional health. Many people who practice meditation will experience a reduction in stress, anxiety, and depression, and improved sleep quality, concentration, and immunity. 

So let’s dig in a little bit. I’ve got you covered!

The Benefits of Meditation

Reduced Stress

Modern life is particularly stressful, with pressure from work, finances, and relationships, which could lead to anxiety and depression. Daily meditation may help us achieve a calmer and more relaxed state of mind. This is because meditation forces the mind to focus on one object or thought, thereby regulating the breathing pattern and reducing cortisol levels, which is the hormone responsible for stress.

Improved Health Benefits

Meditation may have numerous health benefits, including boosting the immune system and reducing inflammation. A quick Google search will yield studies that show meditation may help reduce the risk of chronic illnesses such as heart diseases, and diabetes, and could help reduce symptoms of chronic pain, migraines, and irritable bowel syndrome in some individuals. Some studies have even indicated that it can help lower blood pressure, although scientists are still unclear as to exactly how it does so.  

A Boost to Cognitive Function?

Meditation may help improve cognitive function. Various studies conducted by Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, and Cleveland Clinic, among others, indicate the possibility that people who meditate for at least 30 minutes a day may show an increase in grey matter density in their brain regions linked with attention, memory, and learning. If this is so, meditation could conceivably help reduce age-related cognitive decline and improve the ability to multitask.

Emotional Well Being

Meditation may promote emotional well-being in a world that is increasingly concerned with mental health. Studies indicate that it may help reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder in some individuals. It could also enhance empathy, compassion, and gratitude. By focusing one’s mind on positive thoughts, feelings of happiness and joy might be heightened.

Spiritual Growth

Meditation may enhance spiritual growth and help connect us with our inner selves and provide a sense of purpose and meaning in life. With regular meditation practice, we might achieve enlightenment, peace and achieve higher levels of consciousness.

Incorporating Peloton Meditation into Your Daily Practice

Peloton is known for its cardio, strength and yoga classes, but they also offer a wide range of meditation classes that cater to all levels of experience, from beginners to seasoned practitioners.

Incorporating Peloton Meditation classes into your daily routine is easy. All you need is a quiet place to focus in a comfortable position, and a few minutes to spare each day. Peloton Meditation classes fall into a number of different categories, all related to what you are trying to achieve in your practice.  I’ll share a quick description of the various types of classes available on the platform, because I’m sure there’s one (or more) for you!

Intro to Meditation

For the total beginner, or for someone looking to review the basics, Aditi Shah’s Intro to Meditation is a 3-week program with a schedule of 10-15 minutes per day.  A GREAT place to start!

Morning Meditation

These classes, typically ranging from 5 to 15 minutes, are designed to kick-start your day from a place of peace and focus. Try Kirra Michel’s 10 min Morning Meditation from 4/27/22 or Mariana Fernandez’s 10 minute Morning Meditation from 2/27/23.

Sleep Meditation

Conversely, these classes typically range from 5 to 30 minutes, and are designed to help you fall asleep and help improve the quality of your rest. Try Ross Rayburn’s’ 15-minute Sleep Meditation from 2/27/23.

Guided Meditations for a Purpose

These classes focus on cultivating a quality, an emotion, or a state of being.  Gratitude, Kindness, Acceptance, Healing, Empathy, Patience, Courage, Energizing, Happiness, and Peace are all classes of this type.  They’re most frequently 10 minutes in duration, although there are some 5 minute classes throughout the library. Try Aditi’s 10-minute Calming Meditation from 8/22/23 or Chelsea Jackson Roberts’ 10-minute Peace Meditation from 3/6/23.

Body Scan

These classes focus on scanning your body from head to toe, exploring each sensation and releasing tension. Attention is focused on different parts of the body in a systematic way, with classes ranging from 5 to 15 minutes.  Try Kristin McGee’s 10 min Body Scan Meditation from 6/6/23.

Breathwork

These classes involve different breathing techniques to calm the mind and body and are also great for beginners to help learn techniques. Practicing breathwork regularly can help you manage your emotions and increase your overall well-being, particularly if you suffer from anxiety. Try Anna Greenberg’s 10 min Breathing Meditation from 4/4/23.

Meditation is a powerful tool that can help us improve our physical, mental, and emotional well-being, and Peloton Meditation offers us a unique opportunity to incorporate it into our daily practice.  Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned practitioner, Peloton Meditation classes can help you achieve a sense of calm, focus, and overall well-being. Try it out today and embark on a journey of mindfulness for a better you!

Have you been working on your meditation practice?  We’d love to hear your experiences and your thoughts in the comments below!

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