Yoga for Runners

Yoga for Runners How to Combine Running and Yoga ChaptersYoga, the Perfect Sport for Muscular StrengtheningThe Best Yoga Poses for RunnersImprove Your Cardio with Yoga and RunningHow Do You Combine Yoga and Running Exercises?What Equipment Do You Need to Do Yoga and Running?Yoga and running have become a match made in heaven these last few years. Yoga classes are becoming more and more popular and so is running. The reason they're both so popular is the combined health benefits of the two activities.Physical advantages:Improving cardiac and muscular performance (running)Stretching and strengthening muscles (yoga)Mental advantages:The secretion of endorphins, the pleasure hormone, during sporting activities.Relaxation and meditationFurthermore, yoga is useful for alleviating back pain, increasing happiness, improving the digestive system, which more than makes up for the negative effects running can have on joints and your posture. Yoga for runners is the perfect solution.Whether you’re already an athlete and looking to attend a y oga class or an absolute beginner, these two activities are great for your physical and mental well-being. If you want to learn more about yoga philosophy, read about our suggested yoga documentaries blog post here.choose your perfect yoga mat!Dynamic Yoga Sequences for Runners to Improve ResistanceNot all of these positions are recommended for beginners. However, they are useful for runners as they reinforce some of the muscles we’ve talked about.Again, be aware that some of these poses will require a yoga mat.Anjaneyasana: Stretches and works your thighs. There are some variations that work on your torso and your hips at the same time.Three-legged downward dog: This physical pose increases the flexibility of your hips and flexor muscles.Camatkarasana: a complicated pose from an upward-facing dog (which can be followed by a three-legged downward dog)Half Lord of the Fishes Pose: aligns your spine.Marichi's Pose: tones the stomach and relieves back pain.Triangle pose: reinforces y our waist, legs, and spine.Boat pose: reinforces your waist, legs, spine, abs, and back.Some positions can be done standing up and others while sitting or lying down. Again, you should work out which programme works for you and your running.The tree pose is one of the yoga positions you can do without a mat. (Source: FreeToUseSounds)yoga poses for beginners...Since you're going to stretch anyway, why not do some yoga? (Source: silviarita)How Do You Combine Yoga and Running Exercises?The reason these two activities go so well together is that they’re great for your health but they can also be done in the same places. This is really useful for your schedule because you can do them together.The main idea is to do your yoga poses either before, during, or after your run. Some people might say:How can I bring a yoga mat and blocks with me when I go running?That’s a good point! Not everyone has a small garden where they can roll out their yoga mat after their run. The mat can be reall y useful, too. Of course, you mightn’t want to leave it at the entrance to the park because it might get pinched.If this is the case, here’s how you can combine these two activities without bringing a load of stuff with you.Do Poses Before JoggingDo a few yoga stretches for runners before you head out for your run. You can do these either outside or on a yoga mat in your house before you leave. This is a great way to feel good when you start running.During and After, without a MatYoga positions using your knees and ankles don’t always require a mat, just a smooth surface.Your feet and ankles, like in the upward-facing dog positions, can be comfortably placed on grass.You can also invest in some knee pads. You can get ones that are specifically for yoga, which resemble little sponges that cover your knees. These are great for doing yoga outside.What about running? You may have to transport them in your pockets or in a small bag. The advantage of these knee pads is that the chea pest ones on the market can be picked up for very little and can protect your knees.You don’t always need to bring yoga blocks, either. Windowsills, ledges, rocks, logs, and tree stumps can be used for some positions.Find out more answers to common questions about yoga...What Equipment Do You Need to Do Yoga and Running?If you’re going to do both, you’re going to need equipment that you can use for both.By that we mean:Comfortable clothing: yoga pants.Running shoesA mat or knee padsSports braWaterMore than Saving TimeYoga is a state of mind. If you want to combine running and yoga, you can’t practise yoga poses as if they were gymnastics. You need to get your brain involved and let go.It’s a type of spiritual meditation that works on your body and relaxing. As you’ll see, that’s why it goes great with running.If you have a private yoga teacher training you, you should ask them to tell you about yoga routines, which yoga mats you should look at, the best ways to warm up to avoid injuries, and the different types of yoga (Ashtanga yoga, Hatha yoga, Vinyasa yoga, etc.). If you don't, don't forget that there are plenty of yoga videos that you can watch online. Find a yoga routine that works for you and get on the mat! Now discover our selection of documentaries about yoga!