Mindful Sport Performance Enhancement Programme
“Awareness and acceptance of “what is” ultimately allows for greater responsiveness to the self and environment, providing freedom from the reflexive or automatic reactions that so often guide our actions.”
–- Kaufman et al.
Why mindfulness for sports?
Performance is influenced not only by physical conditioning but also by mental control and emotional regulation. Mindfulness training enhances attentional focus, reduces performance anxiety, and improves the ability to remain present under competitive pressure. Over time, mindfulness also supports resilience, faster mental recovery after setbacks, and sustained high performance.
What is the programme about?
Mindful Sport Performance Enhancement (MSPE) is an evidence-based programme developed by Kaufman, Glass and Pineau (2018). It is rooted in traditions of mindfulness based approaches and specifically adapted for athletes and performers in other high-pressure domains.
The aims of the programme are to help the participants develop in-depth personal experience of mindfulness and build skills that promote self-regulation strategies (e.g. attention and emotion regulation) and optimal performance experiences, in terms of both achievement and enjoyment.
Is it for me?
The course is ideal for athletes, performance artists and anyone interested in applications of mindfulness for their own personal fitness or performance.
What will we cover?
MSPE is a structured, easy-to-follow programme, that allows the participants to learn about mindfulness through their own experience and the experiences of others. It consists of six sessions delivered weekly. Here is the programme overview:
Session 1 – Building Mindfulness Fundamentals
Session 2 – Strengthening the Muscle of Attention
Session 3 – Stretching the Body Limits Mindfully
Session 4 – Embracing “What Is” in Stride
Session 5 – Embodying the Mindful Performer
Session 6 – Ending the Beginning
How will the programme be delivered?
The programme consists of six sessions which are typically 90 min. long. Each session consists of educational, experiential, discussion, and home practice components. Participants are provided with handouts and guidance for home practice. There is special emphasis on incorporating mindfulness into workouts, practices, and competitions, as well as everyday life.
Reference: Kaufman, K. A., Glass, C. R., & Pineau, T. R. (2018). Mindful sport performance enhancement: Mental training for athletes and coaches. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.
