This classic tale starts with a familiar regret:
“If only I knew then what I know now.”
I wish I had embraced yoga earlier as an athlete. Growing up, I was deeply involved in athletics, playing baseball, football, basketball, tennis, cross-country, wrestling, and any other sport that allowed me to delay getting a job! Only in my 40s did I discover yoga and its immense benefits for athletes.
Don’t repeat my mistake!
Sports has added so much to my life. Through it, I have learned leadership, accountability, and friendship. You can expand on this list by incorporating yoga into the mix.
Here are the top seven advantages of practicing yoga as an athlete. I have included a specific pose in the parenthesis that helps leverage the benefit.
Seven Benefits of Yoga for Athletes:
- Improved Flexibility: Yoga increases flexibility, reducing injury risks. It enhances joint and muscle range of motion, which is often overlooked in athletic training. (Pose: Pigeon Pose)
- Enhanced Strength: Some yoga poses strengthen muscles using body weight, boosting athletic performance. (Pose: Warrior II)
- Better Balance: Yoga boosts balance and stability, improving coordination in precision-based sports. (Pose: Tree Pose)
- Increased Core Stability: Many poses strengthen the core, which is crucial for power and stability in sports. (Pose: Plank Pose)
- Enhanced Focus and Concentration: Yoga enhances mental focus, which is important during competitions. (Pose: Eagle Pose)
- Injury Prevention: Regular practice addresses muscle imbalances and boosts flexibility and strength. (Pose: Downward Dog)
- Improved Breathing Techniques: It teaches efficient breathing, enhancing endurance in cardio-intensive sports. (Pranayama practices)
On the other side of 40, my fitness goal is lifelong health. Yoga is central to this plan. As an avid runner for 15 years, I’ve been mostly injury-free. Yoga strengthens my running muscles as I age, helping me continue pain-free.
Yoga has a low entry barrier. Start with just a mat or a beach towel. Plenty of free online videos can kickstart your practice. Or, when you’re ready, click the link below to register for your first class at Engedi. Let us guide you towards a lifetime of health and fitness. To learn more about our class offerings visit the Classes page.
