There are many benefits to yoga practice for athletes. Men and women from weightlifters to golfers are beginning to appreciate the benefits of yoga. Personal trainers and coaches are beginning to recommend adding a yoga practice to the exercise routine.
Yoga improves muscle strength and core strength. A strong core is important in many sports and can help prevent injury, particularly to the lower back, due to the enhanced strength of the muscles. Yoga provides a great compliment to your weight lifting routine and helps build a strong, toned core.
Flexibility, balance and coordination are enhanced through a regular yoga practice. These are qualities that are important in the performance of many sports, from baseball and golf to swimming and dancing. In addition, athletes often discover their range of motion improves with yoga practice, which offers many benefits.
The strength, flexibility, balance and coordination benefits of yoga can also help to prevent injury. Muscle tension, poor balance and weak muscles and joints can contribute to injury.
Yoga breathing improves performance. Breathing correctly is important for bringing the optimum amount of oxygen to the muscles of the body and prevents fatigue. When your body is getting enough oxygen, you have more energy and concentration is improved.
Books and DVDs dedicated to yoga sequences for athletes are available. These materials can be beneficial for the individual athlete or the entire team. Searching the internet and reading reviews, particularly those written by athletes or coaches, is a good way to find an effective program.
These books and DVDs have practices customized in short 20 minute sessions to longer 60 minute practices. Some are divided according to sport, such as football, basketball, running, swimming and skiing. The practices listed under each sport are designed to enhance flexibility, strength and coordination particularly for that sport.