What Runners Can Learn From Yoga
Building strength and flexibility through yoga can make a huge difference in your running performance. Here are a few ways to utilize yoga for running benefits:
- BREATHING TECHNIQUES. Many runners don't know how to breathe properly. Through yoga, you can learn how to control your breathing, a skill that can help relax you and lower your heart rate when running.
- FOCUS. It's easy to be distracted while running, especially if you're racing competitively. Yoga can help you build your powers of concentration.
- BALANCE. Some experts believe that imbalance problems are at the root of many running injuries. By practicing certain yoga poses, you can improve your overall balance.
- FLEXIBILITY. Increasing your joints' range-of-motion helps prevent running injuries and increases power. And in running, more power means more speed. Yoga stretches promote joint relaxation and can help improve your flexibility.
