BMX Aware will return to The Loading Bay in Glasgow on Sunday, 28th May, at 10 am. The sessions costs £5 for 2 hours, and you get free bike and helmet hire included in the price.

Practising mindful BMX at the skatepark can greatly enhance your overall experience and improve your riding skills. Mindfulness involves being fully present in the moment, focusing your attention, and maintaining a non-judgmental awareness of your thoughts, sensations, and surroundings.

Applying mindfulness techniques to your BMX sessions can help you ride more fluidly, increase your spatial awareness, and reduce the risk of injury. Here are some tips to cultivate a mindful approach to BMX at the skatepark:

1. Set Intentions: Before you start your BMX session, take a moment to set clear intentions for your ride. Reflect on what you hope to achieve, whether it is learning a new trick, improving your flow, or simply enjoying the ride. This will help you stay focused and motivated throughout your session.
2. Focus on Your Breath: Begin by taking a few deep breaths to centre yourself. Pay attention to the sensation of your breath entering and leaving your body. Whenever you feel distracted or anxious, return your focus to your breath. This will help you stay grounded and calm, enabling you to perform better.
3. Engage Your Senses: Use your senses to fully experience the skatepark environment. Notice the sounds of wheels rolling on the ramps, the feeling of the wind on your skin, the sight of other riders around you, and the smell of the surroundings. By immersing yourself in the present moment, you enhance your awareness and connection with your surroundings.
4. Stay in the Present: While riding, try to maintain a non-judgmental awareness of your thoughts and emotions. If you make a mistake or fall, avoid dwelling on it or getting frustrated. Instead, acknowledge the experience, learn from it, and let it go. Bring your attention back to the present moment and focus on your next move.
5. Embrace Flow: When riding BMX, strive to find your flow state—a state of total immersion and effortless concentration. Flow occurs when you’re fully engaged in the activity, losing track of time and feeling in sync with your movements. Focus on each manoeuvre and the transitions between them, allowing your body to naturally adapt and respond.
6. Practice Gratitude: Take a moment to appreciate the opportunity to ride BMX at the skatepark. Express gratitude for your bike, your abilities, and the supportive community around you. Cultivating a grateful mindset can bring positivity and joy to your sessions, creating a more fulfilling experience.

Remember, mindfulness is a skill that requires practice and patience. As you incorporate these techniques into your BMX sessions, you’ll gradually develop a greater sense of focus, control, and enjoyment in your riding.

These skills can then be applied to your non-riding life and bring you control of your feelings and ideas.

If you want to know more, please contact BMX Aware.