Yoga and Running

Hey guys!

During this period of time where I'm not running as much and have been focusing more on strength, I decided to give a local hot yoga studio a try for 30 days. I have done hot yoga before as well as Yoga with Adriene at home sometimes - I'm just not consistent when I don't have a studio to go to.

As I've learned in nursing school, repetitive movement (i.e., running) can be really hard on the body. By being proactive in taking care of ourselves, we can reduce and postpone the likelihood of injury and 'feeling old' when we stretch our muscles. I feel a notable difference in my body when I practice yoga more regularly, and so I'd like to take the time to highlight some of the benefits yoga can do for runners, and really for everyone.

Stress Reduction

I think the yogic practice and stress reduction is pretty common knowledge. I feel soooooo much more grounded when I walk out of the studio. That 60-75 minutes in a 100 degree room really helps to calm the mind and body and focus on my breath and my body in space. Even the stress of running and training can be diminished with yoga, as well as bring awareness to our bodies.

Increases Strength

You wouldn't think it until you're in downward dog for what seems like 10 years and your upper back, shoulders, arms, and wrists are begging for a break. Holding poses (cue me shaking horrifically while trying to hold an eagle pose) challenges our muscles and builds them. And some of the muscles challenged aren't the ones that necessarily get a lot of attention when you typically go to the gym or while running. But should you not work them if they're not primarily used in running? uh, YES! All muscles work together - by taking care of those other muscles, we can increase the strength of the more 'primary' ones in running.

Flexiblity

When we utilize our muscles, we are contracting them; they are pulling our bones to move in the direction we want them to. All that pulling can really tighten muscles, causing pain and stiffness. Yoga helps to stretch those muscles, which will bring better range of motion and easier movement through your run. And added bonus, lesser likelihood of injury.

Better Breathing

The breath is the most fundamental component of yoga. When you are practicing ujjayi (a type of breath in yoga), you are increasing your lung capacity by tapping into the lower lobes that aren't as utilized as the upper lobes. By improving the breath and influx of oxygen into the body, you have more oxygen being delivered to your muscles (while still having oxygen in the lungs), allowing for better endurance and muscle performance.

Energy/Active Recovery
Active recovery should never be intense - that's why its called recovery. You're still being active, but you're working the body in a way that is different, slower, and meant to heal the muscles. Yoga really encapsulates the meaning of active recovery to me. Additionally, the calming movements of yoga really bring a new type of energy and awareness to the body that I have never felt before.

No matter if you're just getting into running, never have run more than the high school mile, have ran for years, or even have the slightest idea about maybe doing your first 5K for fun, I hope you find these helpful.

Take care of your body, and it will take care of you!