Yoga and Running: Perfect Cross Training

This entry was posted on Nov 2, 2011 by Crystal Griffiths.

For November, we’re focusing on the benefits of Yoga practice for people who love other forms of physical activity. Look for upcoming articles on Yoga and climbing, Yoga and skiing, and Yoga and dance.

yoga cross training

Yoga and Running: The Perfect Combination

This may sound crazy, but Yoga and running have a lot in common. They both require practice, agility, flexibility, patience and your own breathing method. Runners who take up Yoga often begin to love running even more.

It’s all too common for runners to complain of shin splints, pulled muscles, aching knees and hips. Many of these runners have put stretching very low on their list of priorities, calling it a waste of time. Truly flexible runners rarely injure themselves and benefit greatly from combining running and stretching, especially when they take advantage of the many benefits Yoga offers.

Runners primarily work certain muscles, mainly in the legs and core. Yoga, which utilizes all the body’s muscles, including the often-neglected stabilizers, makes the runner stronger and better functioning as a whole.

Runners tend to look at running as a mission, battling the elements, challenging physical limitations and meeting personal expectations. Runners stay in touch with their abilities, developing discipline and self-control. The whole body and mind connection that Yoga provides improves a runner’s ability to achieve goals and exceed past performance levels.

Holding a Yoga pose isn’t as easy as it looks! Take a class you’ll see that Yoga can be just as difficult as running, and holding poses is a wonderful way to build up muscular endurance, one of the most important assets of a good runner.

Runners who count Yoga out as a cross training activity are really missing out on improving their technique. Aside from the many other health benefits that can be derived from Yoga, it certainly can improve a runner’s stamina, mindset and love for the sport.

About Crystal Griffiths
Crystal Griffiths was the Marketing Director for Hugger Mugger Yoga Products from 2007 - 2016. Her personal blog is http://totaltrinity.wordpress.com/. “I live life by balancing what I want with an honest appreciation for what I already have. Living outside the realm of what's normally considered acceptable or appropriate”................

2 responses to “Yoga and Running: Perfect Cross Training”

  1. Avatar Tracy says:

    I’m hoping you do one on yoga and cycling too. I love cycling but it makes a mess of my hip flexors 😉

    • Avatar Charlotte says:

      That’s a great idea! Thanks for the suggestion. I know the perfect person to write about this, a longtime Yoga teacher who rides her bike literally everywhere, including many cross-country trips. She has also dealt with a lot of sacroiliac issues relating to her hip flexors and quads. Look for Yoga and cycling in the coming months.

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