Those of you who know me, or have been reading my blog for a while, know that I tend to be a fair-weather yogi. I try, I really do, but between running and strength training, not to mention work, blogging, and, well, my personal life, yoga is frequently the first thing to go by the wayside in spite of the fact that I know that yoga makes me a better runner.
My health goals this year are all about learning to breathe, as well as to get strong, healthy, and regain my focus, balance my fitness routine, and nothing does that better than a steady yoga practice. So I’ve been trying. And mostly succeeding.
It's true! #Yoga really does make me a better runner. Here's how my #running has improved thanks to my yoga practice. Click To Tweet
How Yoga Makes Me a Better Runner
One of the things that help motivate me (aside from beautiful yoga clothing) is that I know that yoga actually makes me a better runner. So, whenever I feel the urge to skip my yoga class or home workout, I remind myself of all the ways that yoga helps my running.
Yoga makes me stronger
Yoga gives me a lithe and lean strength that enhances running. Where running is quite an unbalancing workout, leaving some muscles stronger than others, yoga helps to even that out. It also strengthens my core and upper body, which is so important for posture and can help reduce fatigue, all of which are important if you want to be a better runner.
Yoga helps my flexibility
Yoga poses not only strengthen but also enhance flexibility throughout the fascial lines of my body. Joints are taken through their full range of motion, and corresponding muscles contract or stretch to support the movement. This improves muscle balance, which helps create better running form and protects me against injury.
Yoga helps my balance
Yoga not only balances my strength and flexibility, it also improves my actual balance, which helps me run lighter on my feet. I’ve made note before that running is basically jumping forward from foot to foot, so improving balance improves my form.
Yoga complements my running
Yoga and running are two very different exercises. Where running bounces, jostles, and bounds, yoga calms, flows, and stretches. Two very opposite, yet very complementary activities. It took me a while to realize it, with a gentle hint from my yoga teacher that because of the high intensity of running, the best yoga practice for me would be with flowing, gentle movements. These days I don’t worry if my yoga is not a sweat-fest. I’ve realized what is best for me.
Yoga teaches me to breathe
Most people use short, shallow breaths. Running requires a lot of oxygen, so deep, proper breathing is essential. Yoga is all about breathing.
In Sanskrit, prana means energy, and yoga breathing is called pranayama. Proper breathing in yoga is vital. It helps relieve tension and helps the body flow and bend. It also helps create energy, and learning to breathe properly can help you maintain a steady, full breathing pattern in all phases of running.
One of the things I need to remind myself of when I feel challenged fitting in my yoga practice is that I don’t have to spend 60-90 minutes to get the benefits I need from yoga. It’s much better to fit in 20 or even 10 minutes rather than skipping it altogether.
Do you make yoga a part of your fitness program? Do you feel like it makes you a better runner?
I’m linking up with Fit Five Friday with Darlene, Michelle, Renee, Jenn, and Zenaida!
Weekly Linkups
My weekly linkups! Please stop by and check out all of the great recipes, workouts, and information that all these awesome bloggers share every week!
Meatless Monday with Sarah and Deborah
Inspire Me Monday with Janet
Tuesday Topics with Kim and Zenaida
The Runners’ Roundup with Deborah, Lisa, Jenn, Laura, and Me!
The Weekly Run Down with Deborah and Kim
Fit Five Friday with Darlene, Michelle, Renee, Jenn, and Zenaida
I’m also a fair-weather yogi. I’ve been trying to do yoga at least 2x a week. I know it’s not much but I figure I need to start of slow and manage my expectations!
I think twice a week is great, especially considering your running, strength training, etc. I have to get myself out of the mindset that yoga has to be 90 minutes. I’m much happier with a half hour (or less!).
Judy would love this.
I can’t argue with you. I am sure it is true. It’s just not my thing.
If I had more time, I would run longer, bike more, join a gym.
I understand. If everyone loved yoga the classes would be too full!
I’m still determined to try some of Judy’s yoga, but it’s not on the forefront of my mind enough yet to start. I KNOW it can help a runner, and I have gone to a class (exactly twice ha!) and really enjoyed it so I don’t know why I’m consciously or subconsciously hesitant to start.
I think sometimes, because of our “running personality,” we feel like if we do yoga we have to go all-in, which makes it hard to get started. I do better these days if I commit to just 10-20 minutes. A much more achievable goal.
I agree! I know that yoga is good for me- especially because it forces me to slow down and breathe. I just don’t make time for it consistently!
We should have a Runners’ Roundup yoga challenge! 🙂 Just practice 10 minutes about 4 days a week sounds about right to me!
I’m in the middle of a self-imposed daily yoga challenge. I don’t think I’ve ever going to “love” yoga, but I cannot deny that I definitely feel better when I stick with my practice!
Thanks for linking up 🙂
You’ve been doing great on your yoga challenge! Now the key is to keep it up after the challenge is over, right?
I am also a fair weather yogi (and I love that term). I began a 30-day yoga practice in January. I did skip a few days. I am only on Day 26 today and I am not sure if I will continue to do it EVERY DAY in February, but I do know how beneficial it is. I used to go to either 60 or 90 minute yoga classes, but now I do 20 – 30 minute classes online.
Yoga challenges are fun but I know if I tried to do it daily I wouldn’t stick with it for long. Small steps. I also do much better with shorter sessions. I think sometimes runners bring our “marathon attitude” and feel like it doesn’t count if it’s not a 90-minute butt kicker.
I too am a fair weather yogi! I have been doing more yoga lately- I’m so tight lately!
I always find myself saying “I need to do my yoga.” I’ve kept my membership to Yogadownload.com going because I tell myself I’m going to start back. Maybe tomorrow. 🙂
I can’t count the amount of times I said I was going to do more yoga. I even have a room for it now and I still struggle with making time for it.
I do the same thing. It’s like any new habit, it takes a while to take hold.
I need to get to that point. 🙂
I have never been very consistent with yoga, but I definitely have reaped many rewards from it, the least of which is better balance. I love the warrior poses…I think I could hold those forever, and tree pose is pretty legit as well.
Yoga is so helpful for improving balance. And, while mine is pretty good a little more yoga would really help.
I do not do yoga at all. I know I can do it, just need to make time for it.
It’s really worth it. When I’m consistent with my yoga practice I feel like in the best shape!
Yoga is sooooo good for runners. So good.
I love all your photos! I think I would do all the outdoor yoga if I lived where you do.