Many athletes are now adding to yoga stretches into their training programme – not only for the physical benefits but also the mental ones.
In a world where the sporting stakes are getting ever higher and athletes are looking to make marginal gains wherever they can, yoga can be an added tool in their armoury. Following a tailored routine to the specific needs of their sport and their own range of movement can help a sports person increase the length of their career or at least help them be less injury prone throughout their career.
All athletes, not just elite ones, can benefit from a regular yoga practice.
Elite athletes and clubs have integrated yoga into training programmes – you may not hear the sanskrit names of yoga poses in the classes. but the yoga stretches and benefits are evident.
Cricketers and golfers require extended levels of concentration that can be enhanced by yoga and learning some of the breathing and meditation techniques.
Size isn’t everything nowadays when playing rugby. Flexibility and balance as well as a good range of movement are critical for all positions to react to the match around them.
Footballers and long distance athletes cover large distances, both in training and on match / event days. The more efficiently the athlete can move, the longer they can maintain optimal speeds. Body alignment and balance therefore become increasingly important.
Below is a list of articles outlining some of the athletes and clubs that have used yoga to support their athletes.
Shannon and I both love keeping active - regularly completing various swimming, running or swimrun events, along with surfing, skiing, rowing and cycling (including mountain biking!) all requiring strength, balance and flexibility. We certainly appreciate the benefits of yoga and how it has helped keep us injury free.
And it really doesn't matter the level you enjoy your sport or hobby at.
With this in mind, I (Tim), completed a yoga for athletes course, that was tailored to understanding how yoga can be integrated into the regular training routines of sports teams. If you want to find out more, then do get in touch.
