Cross Training Files: Yoga for Runners

I have always been intrigued by the world of yoga, but am like a typical runner in that way where I have the one-track mind. I think, "hmm.... that activity looks interesting, but I am already putting in all of my physical activity time into running long distance...". This past week I decided to just go ahead and buy a yoga mat and get to doing some at-home practice for my cross-training.

What I have found is that yoga does something for me that running doesn’t. I feel like I am nourishing my body rather than pushing it to the edge. It almost strikes me as complimentary to a running lifestyle. According to Adam St. Pierre, a coach, biomechanist, and exercise physiologist for the Boulder Center for Sports Medicine, he notes “The strength and flexibility you develop on the mat–namely in the core, quads, hamstrings, and hip flexors–can help you run more efficiently and stay injury-free” (How Yoga Can Help Your Running, Runner’s World)

In unearthing this newfound interest I have found that there are many resources out there for runners who are looking to hit the mat for some self-expression. Check out these Youtube videos to add to your practice:

Yoga for Runners – Warm Up Sequence, Yoga With Adriene (I have been primarily doing her series of videos and loving them all!)

Yoga Practice for Runners, Ekhart Yoga

Runner’s World Yoga Center

Detoxifying Vinyasa Flow, Brett Larkin Yoga

So this week, switch it up and try something new. Break up the movement with something other than forward steps.

Namaste!