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RACHEL BLACKMAN
Yoga Instructor |
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| Cross Training |
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Dear yogis, yoginis, friends and interested readers. |
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My studio is supporting our city’s Marathon to promote how a regular yoga practice can support and strengthen a runner’s career. At first thought, some might find it difficult to ascertain how yoga could help, but with more information, the direct benefit of yoga for runners is easily understood.
Over time, the constant impact and imperfections in a runners stride will inevitably lead to compression of the spine, |
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| tightening of muscles and fascia, and common knee, hip and ankle injuries. Runners tend to hunch their shoulders, have tight hamstrings, and erratic breathing habits in times of exertion. Many are unaware of this – and think being sore and fatigued after a race is normal. It is this strain and proneness to injury that eventually leads to a runner’s retirement.
It does not have to be that way! To extend the life of your running, yoga is a fantastic complement. Here are some commonly reported benefits of yoga from runners –
· Lengthened stride through realigning and maintaining flexibility and range of motion in the hips, knees and ankles
· Improved lung capacity and understanding of breathing techniques used to energise the body during exertion
· Improved balance, posture, efficiency and stability by strengthening core muscles
· Heated yoga classes specifically, like Bikram Yoga, deeply stretches tight muscles and strengthens complementary muscles
· Relief from back and muscle pain |
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Yoga studio’s work with ironmen and women, marathon runners and triathletes alike who have credited yoga with improving their performance, extending their careers and reducing the amount of time lost to injury.
It is not just runners who can benefit from the practice of yoga. Surfers credit yoga for helping with balance, strength, mental concentration, and flexibility; cyclists have said it helps stretch out tight hamstrings and quadriceps that usually shorten from long rides on the saddle; and swimmers have said yoga helps with upper body strength, breathing techniques and coordination.
Whether you are looking to prevent over-use injuries from repeat exercise, to maintain motivation and boost interest in exercise, or develop a broader base of fitness, cross training and including yoga in your exercise regime can make exercising more enjoyable and improve your performance!
Have a wonderful week,
Namaste, Rachel x
Be Love : Be Peace : Be Vegan; Save Our Home |
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