Yoga offers many benefits to athletes, regardless of the sport they play. Adding a yoga practice to the training routine increases flexibility and strength, and this can increase performance in any sport. This increase in strength and flexibility can give the athlete an edge when competing.
Yoga has another benefit that is leading many coaches and trainers to add a yoga routine to their athletes’ training schedules. Yoga is beneficial for injury prevention by stretching and strengthening the joints and muscles. Classes for athletes focus on strengthening areas of the body that are prone to injury, such as the knees, lower back, elbows, etc.
The focus on breathing in yoga offers benefits for athletes as well. Yoga will teach you to breathe more efficiently and at greater lung capacity. This brings more oxygen to the muscles to help enhance performance and stamina on the field or court.
Athletes can benefit from any type of yoga class. If you are interested in something that is specifically designed for athletes, there are classes, websites, DVDs and books devoted to yoga for athletes. Some books and DVDs are tailored specifically for individual sports and have recommendations for poses and routines.
Athletes tend to be competitive and may be more likely to push further than is comfortable in yoga poses. It’s important to remember that there is no competition in yoga. Each person moves at his or her own pace and pushing beyond your capacity can cause serious injury.
If you are interested in the benefits of yoga to enhance your athletic ability, take a class at a yoga studio or through a certified instructor. A personal trainer is great for fitness training, but unless the trainer is a certified yoga instructor, he may not have the knowledge and expertise to design the safest and most effective practice for your needs. Always ask about certification and experience when signing up for a class or private instruction.