The versatility of yoga is such that it complements any form of exercise and maximizes performance and enhances the benefits of the particular exercise. Let us see why yoga is beneficial for runners and the 10 best yoga poses for runners.
Why Should Runners Practice Yoga?
Here is how yoga benefits runners.
Helps to Maintain Balance
The importance of maintaining balance for runners can never be over-emphasized. When balance is maintained while running, not only is your energy not over-spent but your running efficiency improves as well. These factors are vital when you run long distance. Regular practice of yoga helps to maintain balance thereby optimizing the benefits of running.
Flexibility Improves
It has been proven that running decreases flexibility levels. Practicing yoga helps to increase overall flexibility and yoga poses for runners aid in improving flexibility from hips to feet. Knees become more flexible. Higher your flexibility level lower is the is the risk of injuries.
Optimizes Lung Performance and Improves Breathing
Yoga helps to regulate breathing. Optimal performance of lungs is essential for runners. Views from experts vary on how to breathe during running. While some recommend breathing only through nose, some experts opine that breathing through nose and mouth increases benefits.
Based on a research conducted few years ago, breathing only through nose while running offers the best benefits. But for seasoned runners, many find it difficult to focus on breathing while running. Practicing yoga not only strengthens the lungs but also helps to maintain focus on breathing while running.
Yoga relaxes the muscles and joints and rejuvenates the whole body which can be a boon to runners.
10 Best Yoga Poses for Runners
Here are the best 10 yoga poses for runners.
1) Standing Forward Bend
Standing Forward Bend strengthens hips, quadriceps, hamstrings, knees and calves.
Visit this page for Standing Forward Bend benefits and instructions on how to perform the pose.
2) Extended Triangle Pose
Extended Triangle Pose stretches the legs. It strengthens muscles in the legs, hips and back. Hence, this is one of the best yoga poses for runners.
Visit this page for the benefits of Extended Triangle Pose and instructions on how to perform the pose.
3) Low Lunge Pose
Low Lunge Pose stretches the thighs, opens the hips and strengthens gluteal muscles. The pose also strengthens the knees and helps to improve balance.
Visit this page for Log Lunge Pose benefits and instructions on how to perform the pose.
4) Tree Pose
Tree Pose strengthens the legs and improves hip flexibility. The pose is also highly recommended to improve balance.
Visit this page for Tree Pose benefits and instructions on how to do Tree Pose.
5) Low Plank Pose
Low Plank Pose strengthens the core. Core strengthening is important for runners as it improves efficiency and reduces risk of injury.
Visit this page for benefits of Low Plank Pose and instructions on how to perform the pose.
6) Downward Facing Dog Pose
Downward Facing Dog Pose stretches and strengthens hamstrings, calves and feet.
Visit this page for Downward Facing Dog Pose benefits and instructions on how to perform the pose.
7) Child Pose
Child Pose stretches the back, thighs, knees and ankles. It makes the ankles flexible. Child Pose relieves fatigue as well.
Visit this page for Child Pose benefits and instructions on how to perform the pose.
8) Gracious Pose
Gracious Pose is one of the most important yoga poses for runners. The pose stretches the whole body; it also strengthens the lower body. Gracious Pose relaxes the back muscles.
Visit this page for Gracious Pose benefits and instructions on how to perform the pose.
9) Bridge Pose
Bridge Pose relieves low back pain. The pose energizes the legs. It is also a hip opener pose.
Visit this page for Bridge Pose benefits and instructions.
10) Reclining Hand to Big Toe Pose
Reclining Hand to Big Toe Pose is one of the most important yoga poses for runners. The pose improves flexibility in hips and legs. Regular practice of the pose helps to strengthen leg muscles.
Visit this page for Reclining Hand to Big Toe Pose benefits and instructions.
Regular practice of the above-mentioned top 10 yoga poses for runners helps to optimize the benefits of running.
Visit this page to read about the 14 Most Effective Yoga Poses for Arthritis.
Rama Thamizharasu
Welcome to yogaaatral. I am a yoga therapist, SEO consultant, writer and translator. If you love pets, we invite you to visit our pet blog @ https://voiceofapet.blogspot.com/ and our YouTube Channel http://www.youtube.com/@PetsDiaryandMomsToo
Health Benefits of Walking Barefoot on Sand
Hope you have read our posts on the Benefits of Walking and Benefits of Reverse Walking. Walking barefoot on sand can offer great benefits.
Amazing Health Benefits of Hill Walking
Walking, as an exercise, offers loads of health benefits. Some neighborhoods have topographic advantage offering their residents various types of surfaces to walk including the opportunity to climb hills. If you live close to an hill that you can at least visit two to three times a week...
The Benefits I Experienced After Reverse Walking for A Week
Reverse walking may seem strange to hear about initially but learning about reverse walking benefits will make you take your steps backwards. It is believed that 100 steps of reverse walking can equal 1000 steps of forward walking, that is, conventional walking. Though...
2 Responses
Very useful. Comparatively easier yoga exercises! Precise explanation! Thanks for the post!
Thank you so much for your feedback. Keep returning to give us your valuable inputs.