Here at Hotpod Yoga, we’ve worked with countless runners and run clubs over the years, so we know first-hand the benefits that yoga can have for runners. But as a yoga brand, we think yoga has benefits for just about everything. So, we turned to the ultimate running experts for their thoughts on the benefits of yoga for running. Here’s what our friends over at Runna have to say.
“Incorporating yoga into your running routine can significantly enhance your performance, flexibility, and overall well-being. Yoga not only stretches tight muscles but also improves joint mobility, reduces injury risk, and promotes faster recovery. By integrating specific yoga poses into your training, you can address muscle imbalances, enhance posture, and boost running efficiency.
Benefits of Yoga for Runners
1. Enhanced Flexibility and Range of Motion: Regular yoga practice increases the flexibility of muscles and joints, allowing for more efficient stride patterns and movements.
2. Injury Prevention: Tight muscles and restricted joint mobility can easily lead to injury, if you overexert yourself. Mobility training helps improve flexibility and reduces your risk of strains and sprains.
3. Improved Performance: Better mobility can help improve your overall performance. When your joints move more freely and muscles work more
efficiently, this helps reduce energy expenditure and boost your endurance (in combination with the right running plan, of course!).
4. Faster Recovery: Incorporating yoga into your routine aids in muscle relaxation and recovery after intense runs, helping to alleviate soreness and promote quicker healing.
Runna’s Favourite Yoga Poses
- Downward Dog: This pose stretches the hamstrings, calves, and spine while strengthening the arms and shoulders, promoting overall flexibility.
- Pigeon Pose: Targets the hips and glute muscles improving their range of motion. It also stretches the muscles around your spine and lower back, so can be helpful for those with lower back pain.
- Seated Spinal Twist: A restorative yoga pose that improves spinal mobility and hip flexibility.
- Forward Fold: Lengthens the spinal column and stretches the lower back and hamstrings.
Integrating Yoga into your Training Plan
With Runna, you get a personalized mobility training program that fits seamlessly into your running plan. This will help you ease into mobility training and keep you accountable – and keep everything in one place. Our mobility routine is built specifically for runners and will help you improve your flexibility and posture, reduce your risk of injury, and enhance your recovery. For it, you don’t need any equipment. To get started, download the app, pick the right running plan for you and then add mobility workouts to it.”
As a special treat, Runna are offering an extended two-week trial to all Hotpod Yoga customers – to get your exclusive invite, simply reach out to your nearest studio and they’ll share all the details.