I have been all over yoga the past few months trying everything from Vinyasa flow to Ashtnaga to hot yoga and more. I’ve also been increasing my running mileage steadily while training for the Cherry Blossom ten miler. Knock on some sort of wood because I am feeling stronger and healthier than I have in a long time. Coincidence? Maybe, maybe not. I have learned a few things on my mat lately about Why Runners Should Embrace Yoga.
Why Runners Should Embrace Yoga
The big stretch
I’d like to say that I always stretch right after my runs but let’s be real, I don’t. Hitting the mat forces me to stretch deeper and for longer than I would on my own. I am also quickly reminded of the spots that I neglect while stretching on my own.
Flexibility
I have quickly become aware of imbalances in my body that I never realized existed. Learning how to recruit those areas and work on my weaknesses will make me less prone to injury. A focus on flexibility through yoga can improve range of motion and help with balance.
Strength training in disguise
Yoga teaches you to use your own body weight to build strength. Recruiting your core muscles is key to achieve poses correctly. Runners can benefit from refining their proprioception by becoming more aware of how one’s body moves in space.
Active Recovery
Yoga classes are perfect for active recovery days. Many studios offer restorative yoga or stretching and recovery classes which can aid in muscle recovery. Who doesn’t love a good Savasana?
“Yoga and running are like Yin and Yang. After 18 years of teaching yoga to runners, I know that yoga creates greater flexibility and stability with every stride. Yoga can illuminate physical imbalances that, if not addressed, can point to potential injury. Finally, yoga teaches us to listen to our internal narrative.” — Sytera Field, owner of SyteraYoga
Relaxation
Runners often have a hard time getting out of their own heads and yoga can offer the perfect opportunity to do just that. Focusing on connecting breath movements can not only enhance your yoga practice but also translate into our running performance.
As you can most likely gather, I’ve become quite the fan of yoga lately and all that it can do for my mind and body. I hope to learn more techniques to improve not only my yoga experience, but my running performance as well.
Related: 4 restorative yoga poses to do every night
Tell me-does yoga have a role in your running life? What have you learned through yoga?
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There are so many great benefits of yoga for runners! I should really make more time for it. I really noticed the benefits when I went to classes at a studio but they aren’t convenient anymore. I try to do yoga at home but really only get around to it every few weeks.
I feel so much better when I have yoga in my life
You know I love yoga and absolutely it has helped me on the road. I think yoga and running make the perfect pair!
Yes I completely agree!
Yoga is next on my to do list for exercise. I always thought it was just stretching but it’ll be great for my core.
There are so many different types of yoga. It would be worth exploring what works best for you
Great tips! I’ve been trying to incorporate more yoga into my routine and have noticed such a difference in my hip flexibility! Enjoy your weekend 🙂
My hips are always so tight too it really does help so much
I absolutely love yoga as a runner and always wish I had time to do it more than once a week! It is definitely another form of strength training and has definitely helped improve my posture!
I agree it really does help make you a better runner.
I have to admit I am not a big yoga fan but It is a great recovery workout! I tend to be go go go as hard as I can for workouts but I know my body needs days of yoga style recovery and stretching mixed it.
I am like that as well but yoga is a great way to recover and mix things up.
Great minds think alike! One of my goals for this year is to get back to my mat. Yoga is alway the first thing to go when I get busy. This time I’m determined to stick with it.
yes the same for me! I am determined to stick with it as well because I am really seeing the benefit.
I totally agree 100%. When I’m cleared to do yoga you better believe I’ll be back on the mat!
Hope you get back there soon!
So I have recently gave yoga another try. And still not for me. Maybe it’s the instructor. I think I would like body flow classes much better rather than the meditative practice. I don’t like just laying there breathing in and out.
I personally do not like the meditative type either. I would suggest trying to find a regular flow class or a stretch class.
Much agreed to all the points you listed above! I’ve been meaning to try to do more yoga lately (with varying degrees of success–I always fall asleep with savasana, haha!
I have fallen asleep a few times myself!
I’m all about adding yoga in as much as I can with my running routine! It helps SO much!!! I never regret rolling out my mat and it works wonders for anxiety too! 🙂
Happy Friday Deborah!!
It sure does! I agree
Ugh….thanks for the reminder of what I’m failing to do LOL I always say I feel so good AFTER yoga…but, yet, I somehow have a tough time making time to actually do it consistently.
I go through phases where it really falls through the cracks as well. Right now I am making a real effort to keep it up and I believe it’s making a difference in my recovery
There are definitely so many benefits to incorporating yoga into a healthy lifestyle. Awesome post
thanks I think so too!
This is all so true! I definitely felt better when I kept yoga as part of my routine. I’ve dropped it recently but I really need to try to add it back in.
I feel better too!
I love yoga. I’ve been practicing for decades, although mostly at home. I had all sorts of plans to try some studio classes right about now, but am still not there. 🙁 Seems like every time I go out I feel worse!
I’ve gotten into stretching after a run a little bit more, but sometimes I don’t. I try to do a little bit of yoga often.
I find when I stick with it I feel so much better!
This is a great reminder that I need to do more yoga 🙂
I do too!
Honestly I’m not nearly the runner I used to be but I love yoga. I feel stronger and relaxed all at the same time. It’s a great workout.
I feel stronger and more relaxed too it’s fantastic
Yoga and I are in a love/hate relationship lol. I know I need to do it but it’s so just so hard for me!
I go through phases of that myself right now we are a happy couple
I do really love yoga. I don’t get to go often enough, but I wish I had more time. It’s definitely beneficial for my flexibility and overall physical health. Additionally, it helps me slow myself down a bit and really honor the recovery.
Yes exactly!!
There are so many benefits of practicing yoga. I’d think that we’d be here all day trying to list all of the benefits!
Yes indeed!
I agree with all of your points! Yoga is so important for so many reasons. My week just doesn’t feel complete without yoga included. And like you, I don’t always stretch right after my runs. 🙂
I am convinced now that yoga is really helping me stay injury free this training season
This is SO true! I am terrible at stretching the way I should!
Thank you for the reminder to get to a yoga class!
I am finding it really helpful in my current training program