Yoga and Athletes

 

Q: "When my sport requires a commitment that comes with a demanding training schedule,  why should I devote practice time to yoga ?"

I get it!  Coaches want you on the field, the court or the track every minute of the day.  I understand it can be hard to make the time in your schedule to cross train.  But, here's why yoga is so important for athletes:

• Boosting Performance.  No matter their level, more and more athletes are incorporating yoga into their training.  Among the reasons?  Better muscle control and increased stamina   5 Ways Yoga Boosts Athletic Performance

• Improved HRV.  Yogic breath, or Pranayama will improve your Hearth Rate Variability or HRV.  In this study, researchers found a "statistically significant increase in HRV in regular yoga practitioners indicating parasympathetic dominance".  High HRV has been linked to good health and a high level of fitness, and decreased HRV is linked to stress, fatigue and even burnout in athletes.  

• Injury Prevention.  Flexibility and strength are the foundations of keeping an athlete safe from knee and hip injuries, ankle sprains, neck strains and torn hamstrings.   

Q: "How?"

• Yoga increases balance and builds strength. 

• Yoga boosts your lung capacity with focus on breath

• Yoga will help you open your hip flexors, stretch and lengthen the muscles and ligaments of your shoulders, back and core and will increase your hamstring flexibility

• Yoga will help you develop good posture and proprioception (or body position).  

That translates into better performance

 and fewer injuries.