Runners are constantly harped on to incorporate strength training into their workout routine and as a coach, I completely agree. However, what if I proposed a new idea – incorporating yoga as well. It’s not only a form of strength training, but includes many other benefits. Here are the top 5 reasons you should include yoga in your next training cycle:
- It increases flexibility – This may be the most obvious reason and what people think of when they hear about yoga. As a yoga instructor, whenever I mention that I teach, I often receive the response of, “oh I can’t do yoga because I’m not flexible.” Well, I’m here to tell you that you don’t have to be flexible to do yoga, but if you do decide to step on your mat, you will see that your range of motion increases over time. While runners don’t need to be Gumby dolls, being somewhat flexible is important to keep us moving and reduce injury risk.
- It builds strength – Yoga truly is one of my favorite forms of strength training. I mean, you do several proper chatarungas and tell me your triceps aren’t on fire the next day. I never felt like I had core strength until I started practicing yoga back in 2019. Strong legs and strong core are crucial for runners, especially when it comes to having proper gait.
- It improves breath control – Pranayama or breath work is a huge part of yoga, arguably more than the physical part of the practice. A consistent yoga practice will teach you several types of breathwork, ways to slow your breath when discomfort creeps in (hello mile 20 of the marathon!), and how to breathe through your nose while moving.
- It enhances balance and body awareness – As runners, single leg strength work is important for building strong legs…cue yoga! Balancing postures will fire up and strengthen your stabilizer muscles (and legs in general). Try standing on one leg for a few rounds of breath – you’ll feel your ankles moving to help keep you upright. With a consistent yoga practice, you’ll notice the movement decreasing as those feet stabilizer muscles strengthen. You might progress to closing your eyes while balancing on one leg! If you run on trails or uneven surfaces, your ankles will really thank you for that extra time you’ve spent on your mat.
- It helps you find your “why” – Why do you want to run that race? Why do you want to run a marathon? Why do you run in general? You’ll notice in a lot of practices, an intention is set. This doesn’t have to be unique to yoga. Having an intention behind your running journey can make that journey a lot more meaningful.