Yoga is an excellent way to improve your health and the overall quality of your running. Yoga is a strong form of cross training and allows your body to stretch, realign, lengthen, and grow stronger. It can actually lower the risk of injury from running too. The increased core strength improves the runner's form. When your core is weak, your other muscles attempt to compensate which can cause injury. Yoga encourages you to clear your mind and push your body. Yes being able to clear your mind takes practice. As simple as it seems, it IS actually very difficult to attain. This is a transferable skill for runners. Learning to pay attention to what your body is telling you and learning how to respond will allow you to optimize your performance.
There are a few poses that are most beneficial for runners:
===> One of my favorites is the tree pose. This pose is all about balance and core strength. For this pose, begin by balancing on your left leg and placing the bottom of your right foot on your left inner thigh. The right knee should be out to the side at a 90 degree angle. Bring your hands to chest level in prayer pose and draw your muscles tight by pressing your hands together. Hold for 30 seconds and switch legs.
===> Another excellent pose is triangle pose. Triangle works on your stability and balance as well as strength. Start by standing with your feet parallel and about 4 feet apart. Your front foot should face forward. Turn your rear foot out at an angle and align your heels. Raise your arms to shoulder height and point the same arm as your front food ahead of you. Lower into a lunge position. Place the leading arm's palm on the outside of your front ankle. Extend the rear arm upward reaching as high as you can. Hold for 30 seconds then switch sides.
===> For a great knee stretch, start by standing with your feet together with legs straight. Bring your left knee up while keeping the top portion of your leg level with the floor. Bend over and wrap your hands under your lifted foot interlocking your fingers. Look forward as you slowly extend your leg as much as you can. The standing leg should remain straight throughout the exercise. This is critical. Only straighten your lifted leg as far as you can while maintaining the straightness of your standing leg. Hold for 30 seconds then switch legs.
All yoga poses are an excellent supplement to running. Over time, you will notice the quality of your running improving and you will build greater mental and physical endurance. Suggestion: Try one day for running then one day for yoga. TRY THIS OUT AND SEND ME YOUR FEEDBACK :)
BE HEALTHY & LIVE HAPPY
There are a few poses that are most beneficial for runners:
===> One of my favorites is the tree pose. This pose is all about balance and core strength. For this pose, begin by balancing on your left leg and placing the bottom of your right foot on your left inner thigh. The right knee should be out to the side at a 90 degree angle. Bring your hands to chest level in prayer pose and draw your muscles tight by pressing your hands together. Hold for 30 seconds and switch legs.
===> Another excellent pose is triangle pose. Triangle works on your stability and balance as well as strength. Start by standing with your feet parallel and about 4 feet apart. Your front foot should face forward. Turn your rear foot out at an angle and align your heels. Raise your arms to shoulder height and point the same arm as your front food ahead of you. Lower into a lunge position. Place the leading arm's palm on the outside of your front ankle. Extend the rear arm upward reaching as high as you can. Hold for 30 seconds then switch sides.
===> For a great knee stretch, start by standing with your feet together with legs straight. Bring your left knee up while keeping the top portion of your leg level with the floor. Bend over and wrap your hands under your lifted foot interlocking your fingers. Look forward as you slowly extend your leg as much as you can. The standing leg should remain straight throughout the exercise. This is critical. Only straighten your lifted leg as far as you can while maintaining the straightness of your standing leg. Hold for 30 seconds then switch legs.
All yoga poses are an excellent supplement to running. Over time, you will notice the quality of your running improving and you will build greater mental and physical endurance. Suggestion: Try one day for running then one day for yoga. TRY THIS OUT AND SEND ME YOUR FEEDBACK :)
BE HEALTHY & LIVE HAPPY
I definitely posted! Guess it didnt go through. I tried the tree pose and almost fell over so I'm definitely going to incorporate these in my workouts! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeletetree pose is definitely one of my favorites! so peaceful once you get the balance down! good luck and happy posing :)
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