Yoga for runners
Running is a serious job. To be a professional runner, one needs peak-level fitness and stamina. Regular Yoga practice can thoroughly achieve the desired fitness. From muscular fitness to mental health, Yoga can help a runner in every aspect of being a performer in the true sense. Below are some of the best Yoga poses recommended for runners and how they help a runner.
Chaturanga Dandasana:
Chaturanga Dandasana is one of the best Yoga poses for runners. It is the best way to boost core strength, energise the entire body, and maintain equilibrium. All that the practitioner needs to do is keep the body parallel to the ground with support from the palms and feet. It’s like the paused state while doing push-ups.
Matsyasana:
Matsyasana is one of the finest Yoga poses for runners. It helps relax tighter muscles, and the stiffness that arises in muscles after running can be thoroughly healed through these poses. This pose expands the pectorals and makes the spine flexible as well. Here, the practitioner has to first sleep on a flat surface and then lift the chest, making the head touch the ground.
Adhomukha Swanasana:
This is the best stretching exercise recommended for runners. This would be the perfect recommendation if you are looking for the benefits of Yoga for runners, such as improving their arm and upper body strength.
Uttanasana:
Uttanasana is another Yoga pose that is best for runners to improve their flexibility. It also strengthens the shoulders and expands the chest. The pose improves blood flow to the entire body, which is vital for a runner to avoid cramps or fatigue. It also strengthens the legs. All you need to do is stand straight and bend forward, holding the heel portion of the leg. Try to make the nose touch the knee.
Utthita Parsvakonasana:
Utthita Parsvakonasana is the best Yoga for runners to improve the strength of their leg muscles, especially of the thighs and calves. It can be an excellent stretching exercise at the same time. This is the best Yoga pose to clear the range of stiffness or clogging in leg muscles. Here, the practitioner first has to stand and expand the legs. Then, move the upper body to one side, which naturally causes the thigh to come down from the knee. Make the palm of the same side you have tilted touch the ground while stretching and lifting the other in the air alongside the ear. Repeat the process for the other side.
Hanumanasana:
Yoga is the most popular sport, and it is especially recommended for sprinters. It brings the ultimate fitness and flexibility to the body that a hardcore sportsperson like a sprinter looks for. Both legs must be stretched horizontally in either direction, making a straight line. Make the head up, lift both hands and join the palms.