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Mental Fitness Techniques: Train Your Mind
What Can You Control Right Now?
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A substantial body of research shows that the link between physical and mental health is profoundly significant. We know that physical activity enhances our thoughts and emotions, which is why we place such importance on it to help maintain our happiness.
However, we often rely too heavily on physical fitness to support our mental health. But what happens when we face injury, illness, overwork, pregnancy, or any situation where our physical fitness declines or halts? Anxiety about the future of both our physical and mental well-being can set in. We may spiral, become reclusive, and feel lonely and isolated.
But it doesn’t have to be this way.
Reframing Mental Health as Mental Fitness
"I like to call it mental fitness rather than mental health. I'm always working on my mental fitness." - Simon Sinek
Let’s start referring to mental health as our mental fitness, because, like physical fitness, it is something that ebbs and flows. We are human; we have down days, we feel our emotions, and we can experience sadness, frustration, or disappointment.
Mental fitness techniques are something we should continuously work on—it’s not a final destination we aim to reach. No one is perfect. Mental health shouldn’t be viewed as an ‘end goal’. Our mental fitness will always be a journey, much like our physical fitness.
Building Mental Fitness When Physical Training Isn't Possible
When we are unable to move in the way we love, we often get stuck in our own heads. The body and brain are incredibly responsive to change, so start working on your mental fitness by forming new habits.
Ask yourself: What can you control with the body you currently have? You may not be able to run or lift, but here are some mental fitness techniques you could try:
Physical Wellness Techniques
- Cold plunges and saunas, or 'contrast therapy'
- Breathwork (start with box breathing or Wim Hof's three rounds of 10 breaths)
- Slower movement (walking, aqua jogging, rehab/prehab, yoga)
- Using nature (beach, water, mountains, forest) to help boost your mood
Mental Wellness Techniques
- Daily meditation, prayer, mindfulness, or gratitude
- Reset your bedtime or morning routines
- Be creative – try painting, drawing, photography, or fashion
- Learn something new
- Read extensively
- Eat wholefoods and stay hydrated
- Fill your social cup – connect with exercise buddies over coffee, even if you can't join the workout
All of these mental fitness activities help you feel happy and relaxed, which in turn boosts 'feel-good' dopamine levels. The ability to adapt and integrate these habits into your life creates a snowball effect of positive change for both body and mind.
Give Yourself Grace
Remember: No matter what your physical restriction is, the healing process should include finding time to not worry about whether you're eating the right foods, moving enough, or being productive enough. Allow yourself the time and grace needed to return to the movement you love.
Final Thoughts
Mindset influences every aspect of our lives. Your brain holds the power to help you become a better version of yourself. So, what can you do today to be better tomorrow? Make time to practise mental fitness techniques so that, even when you can't be physically active, you have other tools to help you feel good.
Fun - HONESTY - Simplicity - Smash Life - Mental Toughness - Hard Work
ENGINE
Double Mikko’s Triangle. We’re doubling the time and aiming to double the calories. Can you match your pace and hold on?
GYMNASTICS
Tuesday morning, we're diving into all things handstand push-ups with both strict and kipping variations, plus some fun progressions to challenge your upside-down game. Expect overhead strength work and spicy core finishers, too.
Toes-to-bar will take centre stage on Thursday evening with drills on the low bar and rig to sharpen your skills. Then we’ll move on to capacity work before wrapping it up with core and lat work to boost strength, control, and coordination.
HYROX
Build the Upper body strength you need for HYROX with a focus on sled pulls, farmers carries, push-ups (to power through your burpees), push presses (for stronger wall balls) and SkiErg conditioning.
MOBILITY
We have been quite dominant with mobility for the lower body; per request, we will stick with the flows, but make sure we hit the upper body harder this weekend. This session will be aimed towards the people that have shoulder niggles.
PURE STRENGTH
This week's pure strength session marks the start of the deadlift cycle, following high-volume RDLS. We also have some heavy box squats and volume reps to finish up on Monday. On Wednesday, we will start a paused bench press progression, incorporating some overhead presses and barbell rows as accessories.
WEIGHTLIFTING
This week in weightlifting, we are focusing on developing the split jerk technique. Followed by a classic complex of clean + front squat + jerk.
Monday Ride
A ride dedicated to group riding skills and some fitness. Coach Rob Foster leads this ride, if you'd like to join email Rob Foster
Start time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1.5 hour
Location: The Loop Cafe, Bike DXB
Track Tuesday
Our weekly on track speed session! For any level of runner looking to build their run speed, threshold and Vo2max fitness and run with the best running community in Dubai.
Time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1.5 hour
Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park
Friday - Coffee Run
Our weekly tempo run. Sessions are built on an RPE scale and accessible to all levels of runner. We start together, run hard then finish together and chat about it over a coffee and breakfast.
Brief time: 05:54 am
Start time: 05:59 am
Start Location: Common Grounds
Saturday - Long Ride
Our weekly endurance ride.
Please email Rob Foster for more details.
Time: 05:59 am
Location: Bottom of the Stick, Al Qudra.
Monday
Time: 5:59pm
Location: InnerFight
Session: LRC Tempo
This week will be dialling into that Tempo effort (7/10 RPE) for 8 mins blocks. You will take a 3 min recovery after each block and repeat the sequence 3x.
Tuesday
Time: 5:59am
Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park
Session: Track Tuesday
This is your chance to run fast with the wider IFE community and coaches. This week we will be running 200s and 600s at 3km and 5km pace. We will help you identify the best pace group for your ability at the session.
Wednesday
Time: 5:59am & 5:59pm
Location: InnerFight
Session: LRC Intervals
Today we have intervals in the morning and evening. We will be running1km at effort, into 4 x 400s and then back to 1km of effort. Push hard on the 400s, these should be a 9/10 RPE.
Friday
Time: 5:59am
Location: Common Grounds
Session: The Coffee Run
This week we will be running
10X
1min @ 9/10; 1min @ 3/10
5mins easy jog
then,
4X
4mins @ 7/10; 1min @ 1/10 (easy jog/walking)
Coffee post session at Common Grounds at 7am.
Monday:
We start the week with some single-leg deadlifts into a power clean front squat complex, followed by a leg-focused workout that is sure to set the tone for the week.
Strength:
A) Every 2:30 x 5 6/6 Single Leg Deadlift
B) Every 90secs x 5 2 power clean + 2 front squat
Conditioning:
17min AMRAP
3 Power Clean (60/40)
6 Front Squat
9 Box Jump
Tuesday:
On Tuesday, it's all about push and pull in the strength work, with pull-ups, bench press, gorilla rows, and some static overhead strength.
Strength:
A) EMOM x 6 - 15-20 sec UB kipping pull-ups
B) Alt EMOM x 10 - 8 DB Bench Press / 12 Alt Gorilla Row
C) Alt EMOM x 9 -M1 - 30 Sec Dual KB OH / 30 sec hollow hold / 30 sec arch hold/rock
Conditioning:
4 rounds for time:
16 Alt KB STOH
1 Lap Car Park Farmers Carry
10 Burpees Over KB
30 Double Unders
Wednesday:
On Wednesday, we will start with some heavy squats, followed by work on both the GHD hip extension and the GHD sit-up, and then a tough interval workout.
Strength:
A) Every 2 mins x 6 - 3 2 2 1 1 back squat + 1 set AMRAP @ 80% of top single
B) Alt EMOM x 12 - 5/10 GHD Sit Ups / 30 sec Pallof Press L&R / 10-15 Hip Extensions
Conditioning
In a 3-minute window:
15 TTB
30 wall balls
AMRAP cal row
Rest 2 mins x 3
Thursday:
On Thursday, we have some bodybuilding in the strength work, followed by a real test of grip and capacity in the workout with high-volume dumbbell snatches.
Strength:
A) Every 2 mins x 5 6/6 DB Strict Press
B) Alt EMOM x 9 - 30 sec banded tricep extension / 15-20 DB Lateral Raise / 15-20 Barbell Bicep Curls
Conditioning:
For time:
120 DB Hang Snatch
Every 3 mins
15/12 Cal Assualt Bike
10 Hand Release Push Ups
Friday:
Finally, we conclude the week with an awesome partner workout that combines aerobic work with strongman exercises.
Strength:
EMOM x 5 6 Sandbag Over Bar
Conditioning:
In Pairs for Time:
800m run together
20 Sandbag Over Bar
100 Cal Ski
Park Run Together
20 Sandbag Over Bar
80 Cal Ski
Half Park Run Together
20 Sandbag Over Bar
60 Cal Ski
Car Park Run (Together)
20 Sandbag Over Bar
40 Cal Ski
A substantial body of research shows that the link between physical and mental health is profoundly significant. We know that physical activity enhances our thoughts and emotions, which is why we place such importance on it to help maintain our happiness.
However, we often rely too heavily on physical fitness to support our mental health. But what happens when we face injury, illness, overwork, pregnancy, or any situation where our physical fitness declines or halts? Anxiety about the future of both our physical and mental well-being can set in. We may spiral, become reclusive, and feel lonely and isolated.
But it doesn’t have to be this way.
Reframing Mental Health as Mental Fitness
"I like to call it mental fitness rather than mental health. I'm always working on my mental fitness." - Simon Sinek
Let’s start referring to mental health as our mental fitness, because, like physical fitness, it is something that ebbs and flows. We are human; we have down days, we feel our emotions, and we can experience sadness, frustration, or disappointment.
Mental fitness techniques are something we should continuously work on—it’s not a final destination we aim to reach. No one is perfect. Mental health shouldn’t be viewed as an ‘end goal’. Our mental fitness will always be a journey, much like our physical fitness.
Building Mental Fitness When Physical Training Isn't Possible
When we are unable to move in the way we love, we often get stuck in our own heads. The body and brain are incredibly responsive to change, so start working on your mental fitness by forming new habits.
Ask yourself: What can you control with the body you currently have? You may not be able to run or lift, but here are some mental fitness techniques you could try:
Physical Wellness Techniques
- Cold plunges and saunas, or 'contrast therapy'
- Breathwork (start with box breathing or Wim Hof's three rounds of 10 breaths)
- Slower movement (walking, aqua jogging, rehab/prehab, yoga)
- Using nature (beach, water, mountains, forest) to help boost your mood
Mental Wellness Techniques
- Daily meditation, prayer, mindfulness, or gratitude
- Reset your bedtime or morning routines
- Be creative – try painting, drawing, photography, or fashion
- Learn something new
- Read extensively
- Eat wholefoods and stay hydrated
- Fill your social cup – connect with exercise buddies over coffee, even if you can't join the workout
All of these mental fitness activities help you feel happy and relaxed, which in turn boosts 'feel-good' dopamine levels. The ability to adapt and integrate these habits into your life creates a snowball effect of positive change for both body and mind.
Give Yourself Grace
Remember: No matter what your physical restriction is, the healing process should include finding time to not worry about whether you're eating the right foods, moving enough, or being productive enough. Allow yourself the time and grace needed to return to the movement you love.
Final Thoughts
Mindset influences every aspect of our lives. Your brain holds the power to help you become a better version of yourself. So, what can you do today to be better tomorrow? Make time to practise mental fitness techniques so that, even when you can't be physically active, you have other tools to help you feel good.
Fun - HONESTY - Simplicity - Smash Life - Mental Toughness - Hard Work
Monday Ride
A ride dedicated to group riding skills and some fitness. Coach Rob Foster leads this ride, if you'd like to join email Rob Foster
Start time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1.5 hour
Location: The Loop Cafe, Bike DXB
Track Tuesday
Our weekly on track speed session! For any level of runner looking to build their run speed, threshold and Vo2max fitness and run with the best running community in Dubai.
Time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1.5 hour
Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park
Friday - Coffee Run
Our weekly tempo run. Sessions are built on an RPE scale and accessible to all levels of runner. We start together, run hard then finish together and chat about it over a coffee and breakfast.
Brief time: 05:54 am
Start time: 05:59 am
Start Location: Common Grounds
Saturday - Long Ride
Our weekly endurance ride.
Please email Rob Foster for more details.
Time: 05:59 am
Location: Bottom of the Stick, Al Qudra.
Monday
Time: 5:59pm
Location: InnerFight
Session: LRC Tempo
This week will be dialling into that Tempo effort (7/10 RPE) for 8 mins blocks. You will take a 3 min recovery after each block and repeat the sequence 3x.
Tuesday
Time: 5:59am
Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park
Session: Track Tuesday
This is your chance to run fast with the wider IFE community and coaches. This week we will be running 200s and 600s at 3km and 5km pace. We will help you identify the best pace group for your ability at the session.
Wednesday
Time: 5:59am & 5:59pm
Location: InnerFight
Session: LRC Intervals
Today we have intervals in the morning and evening. We will be running1km at effort, into 4 x 400s and then back to 1km of effort. Push hard on the 400s, these should be a 9/10 RPE.
Friday
Time: 5:59am
Location: Common Grounds
Session: The Coffee Run
This week we will be running
10X
1min @ 9/10; 1min @ 3/10
5mins easy jog
then,
4X
4mins @ 7/10; 1min @ 1/10 (easy jog/walking)
Coffee post session at Common Grounds at 7am.
Monday:
We start the week with some single-leg deadlifts into a power clean front squat complex, followed by a leg-focused workout that is sure to set the tone for the week.
Strength:
A) Every 2:30 x 5 6/6 Single Leg Deadlift
B) Every 90secs x 5 2 power clean + 2 front squat
Conditioning:
17min AMRAP
3 Power Clean (60/40)
6 Front Squat
9 Box Jump
Tuesday:
On Tuesday, it's all about push and pull in the strength work, with pull-ups, bench press, gorilla rows, and some static overhead strength.
Strength:
A) EMOM x 6 - 15-20 sec UB kipping pull-ups
B) Alt EMOM x 10 - 8 DB Bench Press / 12 Alt Gorilla Row
C) Alt EMOM x 9 -M1 - 30 Sec Dual KB OH / 30 sec hollow hold / 30 sec arch hold/rock
Conditioning:
4 rounds for time:
16 Alt KB STOH
1 Lap Car Park Farmers Carry
10 Burpees Over KB
30 Double Unders
Wednesday:
On Wednesday, we will start with some heavy squats, followed by work on both the GHD hip extension and the GHD sit-up, and then a tough interval workout.
Strength:
A) Every 2 mins x 6 - 3 2 2 1 1 back squat + 1 set AMRAP @ 80% of top single
B) Alt EMOM x 12 - 5/10 GHD Sit Ups / 30 sec Pallof Press L&R / 10-15 Hip Extensions
Conditioning
In a 3-minute window:
15 TTB
30 wall balls
AMRAP cal row
Rest 2 mins x 3
Thursday:
On Thursday, we have some bodybuilding in the strength work, followed by a real test of grip and capacity in the workout with high-volume dumbbell snatches.
Strength:
A) Every 2 mins x 5 6/6 DB Strict Press
B) Alt EMOM x 9 - 30 sec banded tricep extension / 15-20 DB Lateral Raise / 15-20 Barbell Bicep Curls
Conditioning:
For time:
120 DB Hang Snatch
Every 3 mins
15/12 Cal Assualt Bike
10 Hand Release Push Ups
Friday:
Finally, we conclude the week with an awesome partner workout that combines aerobic work with strongman exercises.
Strength:
EMOM x 5 6 Sandbag Over Bar
Conditioning:
In Pairs for Time:
800m run together
20 Sandbag Over Bar
100 Cal Ski
Park Run Together
20 Sandbag Over Bar
80 Cal Ski
Half Park Run Together
20 Sandbag Over Bar
60 Cal Ski
Car Park Run (Together)
20 Sandbag Over Bar
40 Cal Ski
ENGINE
Double Mikko’s Triangle. We’re doubling the time and aiming to double the calories. Can you match your pace and hold on?
GYMNASTICS
Tuesday morning, we're diving into all things handstand push-ups with both strict and kipping variations, plus some fun progressions to challenge your upside-down game. Expect overhead strength work and spicy core finishers, too.
Toes-to-bar will take centre stage on Thursday evening with drills on the low bar and rig to sharpen your skills. Then we’ll move on to capacity work before wrapping it up with core and lat work to boost strength, control, and coordination.
HYROX
Build the Upper body strength you need for HYROX with a focus on sled pulls, farmers carries, push-ups (to power through your burpees), push presses (for stronger wall balls) and SkiErg conditioning.
MOBILITY
We have been quite dominant with mobility for the lower body; per request, we will stick with the flows, but make sure we hit the upper body harder this weekend. This session will be aimed towards the people that have shoulder niggles.
PURE STRENGTH
This week's pure strength session marks the start of the deadlift cycle, following high-volume RDLS. We also have some heavy box squats and volume reps to finish up on Monday. On Wednesday, we will start a paused bench press progression, incorporating some overhead presses and barbell rows as accessories.
WEIGHTLIFTING
This week in weightlifting, we are focusing on developing the split jerk technique. Followed by a classic complex of clean + front squat + jerk.
A substantial body of research shows that the link between physical and mental health is profoundly significant. We know that physical activity enhances our thoughts and emotions, which is why we place such importance on it to help maintain our happiness.
However, we often rely too heavily on physical fitness to support our mental health. But what happens when we face injury, illness, overwork, pregnancy, or any situation where our physical fitness declines or halts? Anxiety about the future of both our physical and mental well-being can set in. We may spiral, become reclusive, and feel lonely and isolated.
But it doesn’t have to be this way.
Reframing Mental Health as Mental Fitness
"I like to call it mental fitness rather than mental health. I'm always working on my mental fitness." - Simon Sinek
Let’s start referring to mental health as our mental fitness, because, like physical fitness, it is something that ebbs and flows. We are human; we have down days, we feel our emotions, and we can experience sadness, frustration, or disappointment.
Mental fitness techniques are something we should continuously work on—it’s not a final destination we aim to reach. No one is perfect. Mental health shouldn’t be viewed as an ‘end goal’. Our mental fitness will always be a journey, much like our physical fitness.
Building Mental Fitness When Physical Training Isn't Possible
When we are unable to move in the way we love, we often get stuck in our own heads. The body and brain are incredibly responsive to change, so start working on your mental fitness by forming new habits.
Ask yourself: What can you control with the body you currently have? You may not be able to run or lift, but here are some mental fitness techniques you could try:
Physical Wellness Techniques
- Cold plunges and saunas, or 'contrast therapy'
- Breathwork (start with box breathing or Wim Hof's three rounds of 10 breaths)
- Slower movement (walking, aqua jogging, rehab/prehab, yoga)
- Using nature (beach, water, mountains, forest) to help boost your mood
Mental Wellness Techniques
- Daily meditation, prayer, mindfulness, or gratitude
- Reset your bedtime or morning routines
- Be creative – try painting, drawing, photography, or fashion
- Learn something new
- Read extensively
- Eat wholefoods and stay hydrated
- Fill your social cup – connect with exercise buddies over coffee, even if you can't join the workout
All of these mental fitness activities help you feel happy and relaxed, which in turn boosts 'feel-good' dopamine levels. The ability to adapt and integrate these habits into your life creates a snowball effect of positive change for both body and mind.
Give Yourself Grace
Remember: No matter what your physical restriction is, the healing process should include finding time to not worry about whether you're eating the right foods, moving enough, or being productive enough. Allow yourself the time and grace needed to return to the movement you love.
Final Thoughts
Mindset influences every aspect of our lives. Your brain holds the power to help you become a better version of yourself. So, what can you do today to be better tomorrow? Make time to practise mental fitness techniques so that, even when you can't be physically active, you have other tools to help you feel good.
Fun - HONESTY - Simplicity - Smash Life - Mental Toughness - Hard Work
Monday
Time: 5:59pm
Location: InnerFight
Session: LRC Tempo
This week will be dialling into that Tempo effort (7/10 RPE) for 8 mins blocks. You will take a 3 min recovery after each block and repeat the sequence 3x.
Tuesday
Time: 5:59am
Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park
Session: Track Tuesday
This is your chance to run fast with the wider IFE community and coaches. This week we will be running 200s and 600s at 3km and 5km pace. We will help you identify the best pace group for your ability at the session.
Wednesday
Time: 5:59am & 5:59pm
Location: InnerFight
Session: LRC Intervals
Today we have intervals in the morning and evening. We will be running1km at effort, into 4 x 400s and then back to 1km of effort. Push hard on the 400s, these should be a 9/10 RPE.
Friday
Time: 5:59am
Location: Common Grounds
Session: The Coffee Run
This week we will be running
10X
1min @ 9/10; 1min @ 3/10
5mins easy jog
then,
4X
4mins @ 7/10; 1min @ 1/10 (easy jog/walking)
Coffee post session at Common Grounds at 7am.
Monday:
We start the week with some single-leg deadlifts into a power clean front squat complex, followed by a leg-focused workout that is sure to set the tone for the week.
Strength:
A) Every 2:30 x 5 6/6 Single Leg Deadlift
B) Every 90secs x 5 2 power clean + 2 front squat
Conditioning:
17min AMRAP
3 Power Clean (60/40)
6 Front Squat
9 Box Jump
Tuesday:
On Tuesday, it's all about push and pull in the strength work, with pull-ups, bench press, gorilla rows, and some static overhead strength.
Strength:
A) EMOM x 6 - 15-20 sec UB kipping pull-ups
B) Alt EMOM x 10 - 8 DB Bench Press / 12 Alt Gorilla Row
C) Alt EMOM x 9 -M1 - 30 Sec Dual KB OH / 30 sec hollow hold / 30 sec arch hold/rock
Conditioning:
4 rounds for time:
16 Alt KB STOH
1 Lap Car Park Farmers Carry
10 Burpees Over KB
30 Double Unders
Wednesday:
On Wednesday, we will start with some heavy squats, followed by work on both the GHD hip extension and the GHD sit-up, and then a tough interval workout.
Strength:
A) Every 2 mins x 6 - 3 2 2 1 1 back squat + 1 set AMRAP @ 80% of top single
B) Alt EMOM x 12 - 5/10 GHD Sit Ups / 30 sec Pallof Press L&R / 10-15 Hip Extensions
Conditioning
In a 3-minute window:
15 TTB
30 wall balls
AMRAP cal row
Rest 2 mins x 3
Thursday:
On Thursday, we have some bodybuilding in the strength work, followed by a real test of grip and capacity in the workout with high-volume dumbbell snatches.
Strength:
A) Every 2 mins x 5 6/6 DB Strict Press
B) Alt EMOM x 9 - 30 sec banded tricep extension / 15-20 DB Lateral Raise / 15-20 Barbell Bicep Curls
Conditioning:
For time:
120 DB Hang Snatch
Every 3 mins
15/12 Cal Assualt Bike
10 Hand Release Push Ups
Friday:
Finally, we conclude the week with an awesome partner workout that combines aerobic work with strongman exercises.
Strength:
EMOM x 5 6 Sandbag Over Bar
Conditioning:
In Pairs for Time:
800m run together
20 Sandbag Over Bar
100 Cal Ski
Park Run Together
20 Sandbag Over Bar
80 Cal Ski
Half Park Run Together
20 Sandbag Over Bar
60 Cal Ski
Car Park Run (Together)
20 Sandbag Over Bar
40 Cal Ski
ENGINE
Double Mikko’s Triangle. We’re doubling the time and aiming to double the calories. Can you match your pace and hold on?
GYMNASTICS
Tuesday morning, we're diving into all things handstand push-ups with both strict and kipping variations, plus some fun progressions to challenge your upside-down game. Expect overhead strength work and spicy core finishers, too.
Toes-to-bar will take centre stage on Thursday evening with drills on the low bar and rig to sharpen your skills. Then we’ll move on to capacity work before wrapping it up with core and lat work to boost strength, control, and coordination.
HYROX
Build the Upper body strength you need for HYROX with a focus on sled pulls, farmers carries, push-ups (to power through your burpees), push presses (for stronger wall balls) and SkiErg conditioning.
MOBILITY
We have been quite dominant with mobility for the lower body; per request, we will stick with the flows, but make sure we hit the upper body harder this weekend. This session will be aimed towards the people that have shoulder niggles.
PURE STRENGTH
This week's pure strength session marks the start of the deadlift cycle, following high-volume RDLS. We also have some heavy box squats and volume reps to finish up on Monday. On Wednesday, we will start a paused bench press progression, incorporating some overhead presses and barbell rows as accessories.
WEIGHTLIFTING
This week in weightlifting, we are focusing on developing the split jerk technique. Followed by a classic complex of clean + front squat + jerk.
Monday Ride
A ride dedicated to group riding skills and some fitness. Coach Rob Foster leads this ride, if you'd like to join email Rob Foster
Start time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1.5 hour
Location: The Loop Cafe, Bike DXB
Track Tuesday
Our weekly on track speed session! For any level of runner looking to build their run speed, threshold and Vo2max fitness and run with the best running community in Dubai.
Time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1.5 hour
Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park
Friday - Coffee Run
Our weekly tempo run. Sessions are built on an RPE scale and accessible to all levels of runner. We start together, run hard then finish together and chat about it over a coffee and breakfast.
Brief time: 05:54 am
Start time: 05:59 am
Start Location: Common Grounds
Saturday - Long Ride
Our weekly endurance ride.
Please email Rob Foster for more details.
Time: 05:59 am
Location: Bottom of the Stick, Al Qudra.
A substantial body of research shows that the link between physical and mental health is profoundly significant. We know that physical activity enhances our thoughts and emotions, which is why we place such importance on it to help maintain our happiness.
However, we often rely too heavily on physical fitness to support our mental health. But what happens when we face injury, illness, overwork, pregnancy, or any situation where our physical fitness declines or halts? Anxiety about the future of both our physical and mental well-being can set in. We may spiral, become reclusive, and feel lonely and isolated.
But it doesn’t have to be this way.
Reframing Mental Health as Mental Fitness
"I like to call it mental fitness rather than mental health. I'm always working on my mental fitness." - Simon Sinek
Let’s start referring to mental health as our mental fitness, because, like physical fitness, it is something that ebbs and flows. We are human; we have down days, we feel our emotions, and we can experience sadness, frustration, or disappointment.
Mental fitness techniques are something we should continuously work on—it’s not a final destination we aim to reach. No one is perfect. Mental health shouldn’t be viewed as an ‘end goal’. Our mental fitness will always be a journey, much like our physical fitness.
Building Mental Fitness When Physical Training Isn't Possible
When we are unable to move in the way we love, we often get stuck in our own heads. The body and brain are incredibly responsive to change, so start working on your mental fitness by forming new habits.
Ask yourself: What can you control with the body you currently have? You may not be able to run or lift, but here are some mental fitness techniques you could try:
Physical Wellness Techniques
- Cold plunges and saunas, or 'contrast therapy'
- Breathwork (start with box breathing or Wim Hof's three rounds of 10 breaths)
- Slower movement (walking, aqua jogging, rehab/prehab, yoga)
- Using nature (beach, water, mountains, forest) to help boost your mood
Mental Wellness Techniques
- Daily meditation, prayer, mindfulness, or gratitude
- Reset your bedtime or morning routines
- Be creative – try painting, drawing, photography, or fashion
- Learn something new
- Read extensively
- Eat wholefoods and stay hydrated
- Fill your social cup – connect with exercise buddies over coffee, even if you can't join the workout
All of these mental fitness activities help you feel happy and relaxed, which in turn boosts 'feel-good' dopamine levels. The ability to adapt and integrate these habits into your life creates a snowball effect of positive change for both body and mind.
Give Yourself Grace
Remember: No matter what your physical restriction is, the healing process should include finding time to not worry about whether you're eating the right foods, moving enough, or being productive enough. Allow yourself the time and grace needed to return to the movement you love.
Final Thoughts
Mindset influences every aspect of our lives. Your brain holds the power to help you become a better version of yourself. So, what can you do today to be better tomorrow? Make time to practise mental fitness techniques so that, even when you can't be physically active, you have other tools to help you feel good.
Fun - HONESTY - Simplicity - Smash Life - Mental Toughness - Hard Work
A substantial body of research shows that the link between physical and mental health is profoundly significant. We know that physical activity enhances our thoughts and emotions, which is why we place such importance on it to help maintain our happiness.
However, we often rely too heavily on physical fitness to support our mental health. But what happens when we face injury, illness, overwork, pregnancy, or any situation where our physical fitness declines or halts? Anxiety about the future of both our physical and mental well-being can set in. We may spiral, become reclusive, and feel lonely and isolated.
But it doesn’t have to be this way.
Reframing Mental Health as Mental Fitness
"I like to call it mental fitness rather than mental health. I'm always working on my mental fitness." - Simon Sinek
Let’s start referring to mental health as our mental fitness, because, like physical fitness, it is something that ebbs and flows. We are human; we have down days, we feel our emotions, and we can experience sadness, frustration, or disappointment.
Mental fitness techniques are something we should continuously work on—it’s not a final destination we aim to reach. No one is perfect. Mental health shouldn’t be viewed as an ‘end goal’. Our mental fitness will always be a journey, much like our physical fitness.
Building Mental Fitness When Physical Training Isn't Possible
When we are unable to move in the way we love, we often get stuck in our own heads. The body and brain are incredibly responsive to change, so start working on your mental fitness by forming new habits.
Ask yourself: What can you control with the body you currently have? You may not be able to run or lift, but here are some mental fitness techniques you could try:
Physical Wellness Techniques
- Cold plunges and saunas, or 'contrast therapy'
- Breathwork (start with box breathing or Wim Hof's three rounds of 10 breaths)
- Slower movement (walking, aqua jogging, rehab/prehab, yoga)
- Using nature (beach, water, mountains, forest) to help boost your mood
Mental Wellness Techniques
- Daily meditation, prayer, mindfulness, or gratitude
- Reset your bedtime or morning routines
- Be creative – try painting, drawing, photography, or fashion
- Learn something new
- Read extensively
- Eat wholefoods and stay hydrated
- Fill your social cup – connect with exercise buddies over coffee, even if you can't join the workout
All of these mental fitness activities help you feel happy and relaxed, which in turn boosts 'feel-good' dopamine levels. The ability to adapt and integrate these habits into your life creates a snowball effect of positive change for both body and mind.
Give Yourself Grace
Remember: No matter what your physical restriction is, the healing process should include finding time to not worry about whether you're eating the right foods, moving enough, or being productive enough. Allow yourself the time and grace needed to return to the movement you love.
Final Thoughts
Mindset influences every aspect of our lives. Your brain holds the power to help you become a better version of yourself. So, what can you do today to be better tomorrow? Make time to practise mental fitness techniques so that, even when you can't be physically active, you have other tools to help you feel good.
Fun - HONESTY - Simplicity - Smash Life - Mental Toughness - Hard Work
One-Hour Workout: Revving Your Swim Engine
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