Why Athletes Should Also Do Yoga

Lisa Franchi August 14, 2013

Athletes are often seen going through hardcore high-intensity physical exercises that make them perspire to the max and build muscles in no time. No wonder why the news about popular athletes using gentle mind-body exercises such as yoga has created a big buzz. So how does yoga benefit athletic individuals?

Professional athletes are turning to yoga for flexibility, recovery from injuries and muscle strains, and enhancing their sport performance. Rich Roll was one of them. According to this world-recognised athlete, every athlete - irrespective of sport or discipline - has the potential to enhance his or her ability by adopting a consistent yoga practice.

How Yoga Benefits Athletes

Flexibility

Most sport activities are hard on knees, ankles, wrists, and shoulders. Having strong, flexible joints are an edge to any type of sport. And yoga is best at enhancing flexibility and strength, which normally deplete with age.

Balance

Yoga is a perfect exercise to develop not just flexibility but also balance – an important factor in any sport discipline. There are numerous yoga poses that promote balance, such as the warrior pose, utkatasana (awkward chair) pose, eagle pose, king dancer pose, half moon pose and forward bend.

Core Strength

Athletes require a strong core to support their legs. There are plenty of yogic postures that enhance core strength such as the downward dog, dolphin plank and push-up, boat pose and locust pose. Basic stretches like the cow and cat postures are also essential in increasing flexibility to the core. Proper breathing, which is inseparable to yoga, improves lung capacity, clears blockages and eases tensions in stomach muscles.

Relaxed Mind and Body

To succeed in sports, an athlete should not only have a strong physical built, but also a clear state of mind. Yoga is a form of meditation that teaches people to become more aware of what’s happening in their bodies. It also helps ward off stress, negative thoughts and emotions that distract athletes from focusing on and reaching their goals.

Recovery from Sport Injuries

Injuries can lead to the end of an athletes’ career and may even put him or her at risk of death. A lot of athletes count on yoga to speed up their recovery from injuries caused during the sport itself or an exercise. Yoga helps the body become aware of its shape, how it feels, range in the joints and its symmetry. There are various yoga poses that contribute to the speedy healing of injuries, like for instance, the Yoga Asanas which help in healing a pulled hamstring. Since it’s a gentle exercise, yoga provides injured athletes an opportunity to continue working out despite their condition.

Yoga may not give athletes a ‘six-pack’ like weight training does. However, it is a vital addition to their fitness routine, particularly in promoting balance, flexibility and core strength, helping them recover from sport or exercise-related injuries, and clearing the mind from unwanted thoughts and feelings. All these play a significant role in the success of any athlete.