Yoga for Runners

If you are a runner, you may have never thought that yoga can make you a better runner. It may seem unlikely, but running and yoga have many things in common. Both running and yoga require patience, flexibility, agility, practice and their own breathing method. Adding yoga to your routine may increase the amount you enjoy running.

There are many common complaints among runners including pulled muscles, aching knees, sore hips and shin splints. These injuries can occur when a runner puts stretching low on the list of their priorities. Some may even believe it is a waste of their time, but truly flexible runners rarely injure themselves while running. One of the many benefits yoga offers is flexibility through stretching. This is one reason running and yoga go hand in hand.

Yoga can make runners stronger and make their bodies function better as a whole. This is because yoga uses all of the body's muscles; even the stabilizing muscles that are often neglected by running. Running mainly uses the leg muscles and the core and yoga can round out your workouts.

Runners are often of the mindset that their running is a mission. They are challenging their physical limitations, doing battle with the elements and pushing themselves to meet their own personal expectations. Runners try hard to stay in touch with their bodies and they strive to develop strong discipline and self control. The mind and body connection that yoga fosters can help runners achieve their goals and exceed their current performance levels.

Yoga poses are not as easy as they look. In the beginning it may be a good idea to take a class; when you do you will find that holding some poses can be just as hard as running. Holding these poses can build up muscle endurance and this is an important asset to a runner.

Runners are truly missing out on a great way to improve their technique when they leave yoga out of their cross training regimen. Yoga has many benefits to a person's health. Some benefits that are specifically attractive to runners are increased stamina, clearer mindset and increase their enjoyment of their regular run.