Yoga has the power to shift how you run for the better.
Yoga and running have unique qualities that can help you become a stronger athlete.
By pairing both forms of exercise into your weekly routine, you will be gathering the benefits that can guide you to healthier living and better running.
What Yoga Is
Yoga comes from the Sankrit word “yuj”, which means to unite or integrate. Asanas, meaning yoga postures, come in a range of styles that fit different needs. Essentially yoga is a flow of movement that connects with your breath. Even if you have a hard time sitting still, there is a yoga style that can interest your movement.
Yoga teaches you to focus on your weaknesses and your strengths. It can painfully pin point areas that you need to work on, but in the long run it can help you achieve better muscle balance that decreases your chances of getting injured.
Yoga Practices
Before settling into a practive with a video online, try taking a class. Gyms and Yoga Studios offer a wide range of yoga styles that are adjusted to skill and preference. The more common styles of yoga are vinyasa and hatha, which both offer movement that can assist with stretching and strengthening.
Benefits of Yoga
Yoga has many benefits that can help you become a better runner. Do not believe all the Instagram photos of advanced yoga poses, because many people practice for years to achieve that kind of flexibility. Yoga is created to help you achieve a clear mind, and a strengthened body. Breathe deeper, breathe easier, and dive into the many benefits of pairing yoga with your running routine.
Yoga Can Strengthen
Not only does Yoga help with flexibility for the tight muscles of running, but it also can help you build strength. One of the most common reasons for injury is muscle imbalance. In the quick pace of running, yoga can teach you to focus on certain areas that need strength in order to give you better form and alignment.
By connecting the power of your core to other muscle groups, you will be able to run with better balance to avoid injury in the long run.
Not only does yoga help you strengthen your muscles for running, but it also can help with pain management. Whether you suffer from a chronic condition or are recovering from an injury, it can help ease your body into recognizing the pain and being able to heal it with intentional movement.
Connects You to Your Breath
Being conscious of your breath connects you to your body physically, emotionally, and mentally. As a runner, your breath is important in helping your body stay strong. When you learn to connect your breath with your movements in yoga, you will be more conscious of how to breathe well while running.
Breathing through yoga helps you be present in the moment and recognize your body's needs. Understand how your body moves and breathes to give a better sense of self and awareness for better running.
Promotes Positivity
Life is full of challenges and stresses that can hinder a good mood. Just like running, yoga has the power to alleviate stress and combat depression. Combining both yoga and running promotes positivity in your life and leads to a healthier mindset in life.
Yoga is also a good alternative when recovering from an injury or for cross-training. Rather than being frustrated at your body, yoga can ease your mind about being hindered from running by giving you a solid workout.
Running is not just about momentum, it is about taking care of your body. By pairing yoga with running you can achieve better balance and stability during your runs by understanding your body's alignment and strength.
Check out Yoga With Adriene to kickstart your yoga routine.
