Yoga has always played a part in my training schedule. It’s a great tool to help with recovery.
Every week I would do a yoga session lasting 30-60minutes. Normally I would just pick one of the yoga dvd’s I own and follow along with the sequences.
When I signed up for the Whole Life Challenge back in May, one of my daily habits was mobility.
Now there were different options for mobility. You could follow along with one of their mobility workouts. Or you could choose something of your own.
There are plenty of mobility exercises out there, from tai chi, pilates, stretching (including dynamic stretching), barre and yoga. I chose yoga.
10 minutes isn’t a long time. Most people spend more time in the shower.
Now I will be honest, during that first week I HATED those 10 minutes. I really didn’t want to spend another 10 minutes after my workout to “stretch”.
But I did it, and I am glad I did, but it wasn’t long before I noticed improvements.
After the first week, I wasn’t as sore or as tight.
After a month, I noticed my recovery was improving, and my flexibility increasing.
Three months on I have continued with 10 minutes of yoga every day.
So Yoga, I thank you. I never knew how much you would not only improve my fitness but also my well-being.
Who knew that just 10 minutes of yoga every day could have such an impact on my life.
If you have never done yoga before there are plenty of resources and apps out there that you can follow along.
I love Yoga with Adriene.
Another favourite is Do You Yoga.
If apps are more your thing, then check out FitStar Yoga, it gives you options to state if poses are too hard, and they will modify your next workout.
All these yoga options have free and premium services.
If you are still a bit skeptical, then I dare you to give it a go, and you make up your own mind.
Personally, I will keep at it. Yoga has made me feel more centred, improved my flexibility, improved my balance, helped to prevent injury, and has definitely made me a stronger runner.
Do you do regular yoga practice?
How have you benefited from yoga?