Yoga And Running – 3 Amazing Benefits For Body & Soul

I have always been an avid runner, and for years, I have focused solely on improving my endurance and speed. However, after experiencing a few injuries, I realized that my running routine was lacking in one essential aspect – flexibility. Maybe yoga and running can go hand in hand?

That’s when I decided to incorporate yoga into my running routine, and I haven’t looked back since. In this article, I want to share my personal experience of how yoga has transformed my running routine and how it can help other runners improve their physical and mental wellbeing.

Yoga And Running – My Story

Last year, I decided to challenge myself and sign up for a half-marathon. I had never run that distance before, and I knew it would require a lot of training and dedication. However, I was confident that incorporating yoga into my routine would help me achieve my goal.

I started doing yoga every morning before my runs, focusing on poses that would improve my flexibility, balance, and mindfulness.

As I trained for the half-marathon, I noticed a significant improvement in my running performance. My muscles got more flexible, my balance was better, and I could stay focused on my breath and form for longer periods.

On the day of the race, I felt confident and prepared, thanks to my yoga routine. I was able to complete the half-marathon without any major setbacks, and I even managed to beat my personal best time.

Benefit of Yoga For Runners #1: Improved Flexibility

As a runner, I had always struggled with tight muscles, especially in my hips and legs. This would often lead to soreness and even injury, which would derail my running routine.

However, after I started practicing yoga after running, I noticed a significant improvement in my flexibility. I would spend a few minutes every day doing specific yoga poses for runners such as downward-facing dog, pigeon, and warrior, and over time, my muscles started to loosen up.

Not only did this reduce my risk of injury, but it also made my runs more comfortable and enjoyable. In addition, I started incorporating whey protein into my diet to aid in muscle recovery and growth.

Benefit of Yoga For Runners #2: Improved Balance

Another significant benefit of incorporating yoga into my running routine is improved balance. Yoga poses such as tree pose, eagle pose, and half-moon pose have helped me develop better balance and stability.

This, in turn, has helped me maintain proper form and avoid injury while running. Better balance has also improved my overall performance, making me a more efficient and effective runner.

Benefit of Yoga For Runners #3: Improved Mindfulness

One of the most significant benefits of yoga for runners is the improvement in mindfulness. Yoga encourages you to focus on your breath and be present in the moment, which is an excellent way to develop emotional resilience and a skill to bring into your running routine.

As I started to practice mindfulness during yoga, I noticed that I was better able to stay focused during my runs. Instead of getting lost in my thoughts or distractions, I could stay present and focused on my form and breath. This has not only made my runs more enjoyable, but it has also helped me achieve my running goals more efficiently.

Read also: Meditation For Athletes – 5 Powerful And Game-Changing Benefits

So, is yoga good for runners?

Incorporating yoga into your running routine can have numerous benefits, from improved flexibility and balance to better mindfulness and focus.

As a runner, it’s essential to take care of your body and mind, and yoga can help you do that.

If you’re new to yoga, start with simple poses (like this yoga with Adriene post-run flow below) and gradually increase the difficulty as you build strength and flexibility.