Why Athletes Should Consider Doing Yoga

For athletes to reach their peak performance – and do so for a very long period– they need to supplement their training with physical and mental drills. One such activity that has become well-loved by many athletes is yoga, for a variety of reasons, including the following:

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Strength: The common way to improve strength is weightlifting. But yoga can help in this aspect because the consistent practice of the poses, called asanas, requires holding up one’s own weight. These postures can greatly develop core body stability, utilize various muscle groups, and create a more balanced overall strength.

Flexibility: In many sports, flexibility plays a critical role so that there is an increased range of motion and series of movements becomes easier to perform. Injuries can also be minimized with better flexibility. Even in non-sports activities, litheness can be beneficial. By doing yoga, flexibility in joints and muscles are developed.

Balance: Lack of balance has contributed to plenty injuries across various sports and physical exercises. Because yoga helps improve control of the body and coordination of the different body parts, those who seek to develop better balance should consider practicing yoga.

Mental control: Yoga includes rigorous corpse poses, also known as savasana, which are as essential as asanas. These postures require meditation, which can help athletes gain better control of their mental faculties.

Image source: yogaassets.com

Bob Mims, CPA, promotes the importance of staying active through several physical exercises, such as yoga, P90X, and swimming. For similar reads, visit this blog.