Mindfulness practice and its link to increased athlete physical performance with Pete Kirchmer (Mindfulness Coach & Director of mPEAK)

In this episode of the Pacey Performance Podcast, I am speaking to Mindfulness Coach and Director of mPEAK, Pete Kirchmer. On the recommendation of Head of Strength & Conditioning at England Rugby, Jon Clarke I am delighted to get Pete Kirchmer on the podcast today. Jon gave a glowing recommendation based on Pete's work with England during the recent rugby World Cup and given the increased interest among players and coaches in mindfulness, the introduction was perfectly timed. Apps like Calm and Headspace have brought meditation to the masses and an increased awareness in mental health has only amplified their popularity. But how can that help performance?

If you enjoyed this episode on recovery, you may like these episodes with Shona Halson, Brandon Marcello and Geoff Head.

Hope you enjoy this episode with Pete Kirchmer.

In this episode we discussed...

• Who is Pete Kirchmer (background, experience and current role)
• What is mindfulness practice?
  • Science in pro or collegiate athletes
  • Anecdotal benefits
  • Global popularity and its impact on sporting populations
• Indirect benefits to performance
  • Stress, anxiety etc
  • Impact of mental health awareness
• Where mindfulness fits within the programme
  • Examples of how teams have structured it around matches and practice
  • Resources that have fit in elite sport settings

Pete can be found on Twitter @Mindful_Coach or via his website.

Keep up to date with everything that is going on with the podcast by following on Twitter @strengthofsci or visiting strengthofscience.com.

Enjoy

PP