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Why Yoga is the Perfect Pre & Post Sport Workout

Why Yoga is the Perfect Pre & Post Sport Workout

Staying active is vital to a healthy lifestyle and a positive outlook. Here at YogaDownload.com, we’re all about mixing it up. Some days full-length well-rounded yoga classes are the ticket and other days you might prefer to run, cycle, golf, or play in the snow. Using yoga as a workout warm-up or cooldown is the ideal way to enhance your performance and prevent injury.

Even when you stretch pre-or post-workout, you often just stretch the muscles in the same direction and plane of motion in which you are exercising. Many sports, like cycling and running, consist of repetitive movements, in one direction and in one plane of motion. Other sports like golf and tennis that rely on using one side of the body more than the other can develop certain muscle groups while ignoring others. Over time, these processes cause imbalances in the muscles and joints leading to overuse injuries. 

Instead of simple stretching, yoga moves the muscles and joints through all ranges of motion—activating the little-used muscles that support the primary movers. 

The body must be worked through all three planes of motion in order to remain balanced and healthy. Yoga works not just in the sagittal plane but, in the frontal and transverse planes as well, ensuring well-rounded development. 

A well-rounded yoga practice includes dynamic flexibility training, core stabilization, and strengthening and balance work. By focusing on these vital elements, yoga can help you recover faster after workouts and open up the tight areas that hinder performance and improve range of motion.

Another important reason to use yoga as your warm-up or cool down is that it develops improved mental focus and concentration. Unless your mind is calm and clear, you won’t be at the top of your game. The emphasis on yogic breathing and mind-body connection in yoga is essential to hone mental acuity, patience and concentration. Learning to be present in each moment will result in a more fluid, enjoyable experience. 

Whether a yoga warm-up helps you snowboard with more agility, keeps you tuned in to your golf swing, or simply makes running and cycling more comfortable, you will benefit. Yoga will help alleviate tightness, create a strong center, and align the spine. 

Think of yoga like your insurance policy: a regular practice will minimize and/or prevent injury and enhance performance. These classes are quick and designed specifically for your workout days! Enjoy


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