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Is Yoga Good For Runners

Is Yoga Good For Runners? A Complete Guide 2022

Many runners have heard of yoga, even from some of their running partners. However, there is a lot of debate in the running world as to whether yoga is good for runners or not.

In this article, we discuss why yoga is good for runners. The benefits of yoga and whether runners should implement a regular yoga routine into their training. We also cover how often you should do it if you run regularly. So, keep reading to find out more.

 

What Is Yoga?

Even though yoga is a well-known form of exercise, a lot of runners don’t know what yoga is.

Yoga focuses on relaxing the mind and body. It also helps improve flexibility and mobility through a combination of postures, breathing techniques, and meditation.

Yoga has become popular with runners as a great way to stay injury-free and improve flexibility. However, there are many more benefits to yoga than staying injury-free.

Research has shown yoga can help reduce stress, and blood pressure while promoting relaxation. These are all important factors when it comes to recovery between and after training.

Is Yoga Good For Runners?

Yoga is good for runners in many ways. First, it helps loosen tight spots, helps strengthen weak muscles, and improves mobility. This all helps the runner to be more flexible and have a better range of motion, which prevents injuries and enhances performance.

With all that being said, yoga is the perfect recovery activity for runners and athletes. Even though it mainly improves flexibility it can also help relieve soreness and tension in the muscles, which is key to a faster recovery.

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For most regular runners, yoga should be performed after a run or on rest days. That way you can help relieve soreness, keep mobility up and help keep the muscles supple between training.

Yoga is also beneficial to help improve blood flow when recovery, which can help remove toxins from a hard day’s training. It can also prevent the muscles from seizing up after a long run or race.

However, for yoga to be beneficial for runners, it needs to be implemented into their training at least two to three times per week.

You then need to decide which is the most beneficial type of yoga for you.

Is the goal to improve recovery time? or is it to help strengthen the muscles?

There are many different types of yoga, and it can be confusing for the runner. However, the most popular forms of yoga for runners are Vinyasa and power yoga. These two forms of yoga a great for strengthening the stabilizing muscles used when running.

Other popular forms of yoga include active recovery yoga. This form of yoga involves low-intensity movements and stretches that keep the heart rate low and the body relaxed while still promoting flexibility and mobility.


How Often Should You Do Yoga When Running?

Regardless of your experience as a runner, yoga should be performed two or three times a week.

Yoga can be implemented into your training plan before or after a run. However, if you doing yoga as a form of recovery, it is better to do this after your run.

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Alternatively, if you are wanting to strengthen your muscles and improve mobility, you should do this before your planned run.

However, make sure Vinyasa or power yoga is not performed before any high-intensity training, as too much flexibility and strengthening training before exercise can hinder your performance.

 

Best Yoga Poses For Runners

Some of the best yoga poses for runners include:

Downward dog
Stretches hamstrings, calves, and foot arches; strengthens shoulders.

The downward dog yoga pose helps stretch the hamstrings, calf muscles, and foot arches. Because of this, it can be performed before or after running.

Low lunge
The low lunge pose is a great stretch to help improve flexibility in the hip flexors, which are important to a runner’s stride. However, it can also be used to strengthen the hamstrings and quadriceps.

Reclining hand to big toe
While not a popular yoga poses for runners, the reclining hand to big toe is one of the best ways to stretch the hamstrings. However, because it is so intense it is better kept for after training or on your recovery days.

Reclining pigeon
If you are a runner that struggles with tightness in the hips and lower back, the reclining pigeon yoga pose is a great addition to your stretching routine. The reclining pigeon helps release tension around the hips.

Reclining cow face
The reclining cow face is one of the more difficult poses in this article. However, if performed correctly it can help loosen up the hips, glutes, and hamstrings. This exercise is great for a post-run stretch or on your complete days off from running.

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Spinal twist
Another low back pose, the reclining spinal twist is a good exercise for reducing tension in the lower back. However, it can also help provide some relief to tense and tight glute muscles.

All of the above exercises are a great way to improve posture, and flexibility, strengthen muscles and increase mobility.

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