Run better with yoga

Run better with yoga

"No pain, no gain!"

Seven –time Mr. Olympia This phrase, uttered by Arnold Schwarzenegger at some point in his career, has come to define the exercise mentality of our time. It is concise and accurate, exactly as a phrase should be. But is pain truly so indispensable? What if one could devise a plan to mitigate workout discomfort while maximizing its benefits? It appears to be too wonderful to be true.

Interestingly, it is not. When most of us consider attaining a toned physique, running is the first thing that comes to mind. It is one of the most prevalent and cost-effective methods for losing weight. Additionally, it increases stamina; a win-win situation.

However, exercise prudence. Injuries to the hip, quadriceps, knee, limb, ankle, and foot are synonymous with running. Although most coaches prescribe some stretching prior to sprinting, stretching alone is insufficient. As a runner, you must practice a few yoga postures through programs such as the Sri Sri Yoga course in order to comprehend which postures can truly assist you in pushing your limits. A few minutes spent resting in these ancient yogic postures can help you run an additional mile on the treadmill.

Run better with yoga

This custom-tailored yoga for runners will prepare your body for sprint with 10 simple postures :

1. Butterfly pose (Badhakonasana)

Badhakonasana is a good stretch for inner thighs, groin, hamstrings and knees. It also improves flexibility in the hip and groin region.

2. Sitting Half Spinal Twist (Ardha Matsyendrasana)

Ardha Matsyendrasana improves the elasticity of the spine and makes it suppler.

3. Standing Forward Bend (Hastapadasana)

Hastapadasana helps stretch all the muscles of the back of the body, tone the abdominal organs and also helps make the spine supple.

4. Standing Forward Bend with Feet Apart (Prasarita Padahastasana)

Prasarita Padahastasana stretches the hamstrings, legs and feet. It also lengthens the spine and strengthens the abdomen.

5. Triangle Pose (Trikonasana)

Trikonasana strengthens the legs, knees, ankles, arms, and chest. It also stretches and opens the hips, groins, hamstrings,calves, shoulders, chest, and spine. It is also known to increase the mental and physical equilibrium.

6. Tree Pose (Vrikshasana)

Vrikshasana makes the legs strong, improves balance and opens the hips. It also rejuvenates the body and helps bring balance and equilibrium to the mind of the runner.

7. Warrior Pose (Veerabhadrasana or Virabhadrasana)

Veerabhadrasana helps tone the arms, lower back and legs. It also increases the stamina and brings balance in the body.

8. Sideways Bending Using Both Arms (Konasana)

Konasana helps stretch the sides of the body and the spine. It also tones the arms, legs and abdominal organs.

9. Upward Plank Pose (Poorvottanasana)

Poorvottanasana stretches the hips and legs; strengthens the wrists, arms, shoulders, back and spine.

10. Chair pose (Utkatasana)

Utkatasana exercises the spine, hips and chest muscles. It also tones the thigh, ankle, leg and knee muscles.

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Run better with yoga, Running is a very healthy workout that keeps you physically fit and boosts your stamina. If you love running, you may also join local running groups in your area and eventually even participate in marathons. Clubbing your passion for running with yoga will help enhance your capability to enjoy running.