Is Yoga Good For Runners?

Yes, yoga is good for runners.

Yoga can help runners both physically and mentally. 

If you can find the time to have a few yoga sessions each week, your mind and body will benefit greatly. 

Why Is Yoga Good For Runners?

Here are just a few of the benefits of yoga for runners.

Breathing

Runners know how important breathing properly is. 

Breath work will improve the way you run. 

More oxygen will get into your bloodstream when you’re breathing properly.

Flexibility

Incorporating yoga into your daily routine will help with your overall flexibility and balance. 

Try doing a yoga session post-run.

Mental Strength

A lot of running is a mental game. 

You want to stop, but you know you have to keep going.

Yoga will help you build mental strength and stay focused.

When you get beyond that mental struggle, running might seem more like meditation or at least more enjoyable. 

Physical Strength

Runners are prone to so many different types of injuries.

It’s hard to stay on top of everything, but having a yoga practice will keep your muscles feeling loose.

Your hip flexors, your hamstrings, your quads are all going to benefit from yoga.

You’ll develop good core strength too after a few weeks of regular yoga sessions.

Poses To Try

Here are some of the best yoga poses for runners:

1. Downward facing dog: This pose helps stretch the hamstrings, calves, and spine, which can be especially tight for runners.
2. Triangle pose: This pose stretches the hips, hamstrings, and IT band, which can help prevent common running injuries.
3. Pigeon pose: This pose targets the hips and glutes, which can help alleviate tightness and improve range of motion.
4. Tree pose: This pose helps improve balance and stability, which can translate to better running form and fewer injuries.
5. Warrior II pose: This pose stretches the hips, groin, and thighs, which can improve overall flexibility and mobility.
6. Seated forward fold: This pose stretches the hamstrings and lower back, which can be tight after a long run.
7. Child’s pose: This pose helps release tension in the back, neck, and shoulders, which can be helpful for runners who hold tension in these areas.

How often should runners do yoga?

There is no set rule for how often runners should do yoga, as it can vary depending on individual needs and goals. However, incorporating yoga into a regular running routine can have numerous benefits, including improved flexibility, balance, strength, and mental focus.

As a general guideline, runners may want to aim for at least one yoga session per week to reap these benefits. However, if a runner is dealing with specific issues such as tight muscles or injury, they may want to consider adding in additional yoga sessions or even practicing yoga on their off days to aid in recovery and prevent further injury.

Ultimately, it is important for runners to listen to their bodies and find a yoga routine that works for their individual needs and schedule.

Give Yoga A Try

You might be sceptical, but give yoga a try. There’s so many benefits for runners. 

Start with something easy, a beginners video. 

There’s dozens of different yoga poses, so make sure you try out more than 2 or 3, and see what really benefits you.