Yoga for Sports

There are a lot of misconceptions about Yoga and who is it for. A few of our favourites are:Yoga is for flexible people, Yoga is only for women and finally Yoga is too slow and peaceful (“I need strength and cardio training in order to get into shape!“).

You might be surprised to learn that more and more professional athletes are incorporating various styles of Yoga into their training regimens. Some styles of yoga are very challenging and can build tremendous stamina and flexibility.

Yoga also offers a combination of active and passive stretching that is especially helpful for keeping you injury free. Active stretching (such as Sun Salutations) creates a warm energy flow throughout the body, while relaxed passive stretching allows muscles to lengthen and is also excellent for "cooling down" after the practice.

However, many athletes (especially runners) use yogic breathing techniques to improve their lung capacity, reduce fatigue, decrease stress and muscle tension and the result is - better focus, better performance and less stress.

Here are some of most important reasons athletes should try Yoga:

· injury reduction/prevention

· core strength

· improved breathing mechanics and lung capacity

· mental focus/control

· endurance

· improved balance and flexibility

Yoga teaches you to listen to your body, and the more awareness you have the more likely you are to notice any weakness or injury-prone areas in your body that need attention even before an injury might occur. 

 One of the most famous quotes about Yoga was said by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois: "Do your practice and all is coming". So, give Yoga a chance to surprise you and to help you improve your life.

At KnotStressed Therapy Clinic we have clients who are also athletes and enjoy our yoga classes. This is a feedback from Adam, successful athlete and a dedicated yoga practitioner:

"I have been practicing yoga for a year and a half now, in addition to my usual triathlon/marathon training. In that time yoga has made a massive impact on all aspects of my training and performance. My breathing during swimming has improved, my running form greatly improved as well as body position for swimming. No lower back pain during long bike rides. 2013 was my best year for competition by far, personal bests in half-marathon and marathon distances, and more importantly, COMPLETELY INJURY FREE! Yoga has also taught me the importance of proper rest and relaxation, which is an essential part of my endurance sport training program. Keep moving."

We offer 1-1 yoga sessions for Yoga for Sports People. To find out more please contact Kat and Bev at KnotStressed.