Taking a break from running is really hard. I’m sure there are some of you out there who feel the same way. Whenever I see someone pounding the pavement, I get really envious.
Be that as it may, I still need exercise! And what is better exercise for runners than yoga?
Yoga and running seem to be very different. But when I thought about it, the stretching exercises I have done before turned out to be yoga poses! There are elite runners too who swear by yoga, saying that their running performances have improved a lot after they have incorporated into their exercise regimen.
So I did research, and here’s what I found out about the benefits of yoga on runners.
Yes, the runner’s lunge is a yoga pose! ©
Yoga poses increase strength and promote flexibility. We all know that muscles need to be limber to avoid running-related injuries. With the numerous yoga poses focusing on relaxing and stretching the tight muscles you often use when you run, you can avoid getting injured, especially if you do long-distance running.
When you do yoga, you focus on your breathing, and you are made aware of your body. This increased awareness will benefit your running. While on the road you will note how your body is reacting when you run and you can adjust as needed.
Breath work in yoga will also help you breathe easily when you run. You will improve your aerobic capacity, which is very important in long distance running.
Breath work in yoga will also help you breathe easily when you run. You will improve your aerobic capacity, which is very important in long distance running.
Most important (at least for me) when you are injured, yoga can help you recover sooner!
I am banking on this to help me get back to running again. At the moment, I am doing Bikram Yoga twice a week, and although I have just started, I think I am beginning to notice some benefits. My back pain is lesser and I am more limber.
So before you get injured like I did, take up yoga!
interesting!
Best wishes in your Yoga, and may you find that will help you out with your returning to running regime. I have tried a few yoga poses before, and will be something I plan on implementing next year into my running. Take care.
@ Kenley: yoga is great. I wish I'd done it before I got injured. I'm sure it'd have reduced my chances of getting injured 🙂 Ingat!