The physical benefits of yoga are a wonderful way to compliment whatever sport or physical activity you love. Yoga stretches, strengthens, and invigorates the entire body and internal organs. It increases core strength, flexibility, range of motion, and improves balance. Practicing yoga as a form of cross-training will increase your performance and reduce the risk of injury. The postures and breath control in yoga are complimentary to athletes in increasing the longevity in their game. Yoga combines strength and flexibility, creating balance within the body.

The pain many athletes experience (bad backs, knees, tight hamstrings, sore feet) is not from the sport itself, it's from the imbalances that running or a repetitive movement cause. If you're off balance, your muscles are forced to work harder in compensation in each step you take, thus enforcing strong muscles to become stronger, and weak muscles to become weaker. This compensation puts strain on the muscles, joints, and the entire skeletal system. Athletes can use a consistent yoga practice to bring balance into all muscle groups, which will support and stabilize the skeletal system. This will allow the runner/athlete to be able to handle the force of impact and to avoid injury.

Mental Benefits of Yoga

Stress Relief
Prevention and Relief of Stress-Related Disorders
Increase in Memory
Greater Control of Emotions
Greater Ability to Focus and Concentrate

Physical Benefits of Yoga

Improved Flexibility and Balance
Improved Cardiovascular Endurance & Efficiency
Improved Core Strength
Increased Energy Levels
Increased Lung Capacity
Increased Blood Flow
Reduced Heart Rate
Enhanced Overall Muscle Strength
Enhanced Immune System
Improved Digestion
Relaxation of Muscles
Weight Control

- Maura Hintlian RYT