Yoga For Runners - Go Faster!

Yoga seeks to generate harmony and steadiness ofstock, you will be able to decide whether to follow a
the body and mind. Tiredness prevents all physicalstrenuous schedule of running or to settle for a short
activity. Through endured practice of yoga you willbout only. If you respect the limitations of your
be able to reach the combination of physical strengthbody, you will enjoy health and vitality.
and reserves of energy that will make running aRelaxation, a yoga technique, can help you to use
pleasure rather than being a cause of an exhaustedyour energy level optimally. In a state of rest, you
and stressed out body. The first step as a runner isare able to unwind, and learn to use and conserve
attaining a balanced and poised body. Imbalance canstrength effectively. Pranayama (conscious breathing)
lead to discomfort; the strain on the muscles will beexercises helps to reduce tension, the tightened
greater and the overworked, weak and rigid musclesmuscles loosen, the rigid joints relieve, the taut limbs
will become weaker and more tired in the process.let go and a sense of utter peace and tranquility
This will definitely hinder speed and take all the joytakes over. This state of serenity builds up the
out of the action.depleting stock of power and prepares you for
Adopting a yoga asana will help you to concentrateanother session of any hectic activity including
on the movements of your own body. You will berunning. Your relieved limbs will entail more freedom
able to harmonize your strength and increaseof movement, litheness and suppleness.
stamina, that is, you will be able to run for a longTo enhance performance (speed) and endurance
time without being tired. The breathing exercises will(stamina) while running, one must improve one's
regulate your breathing even when you are runningaerobic capacity, that is, to be able to pump large
and prevent your oxygen- replenished muscles fromquantity of oxygen-enriched blood to the working
tiring out or flagging.muscles. A vigorous pranayama and asana training
An activity is tolerable only when you enjoy it. Whilefacilitates the maximization of fresh blood supply
running, it is necessary to listen to your body'sduring exercise.
complains and demands as well. Yoga practice willPain in any part of the body, be it knee, heel, ankle,
enable you to discern various messages sent by yourhip or back is a major setback for a runner.
body and decide whether it is time to keep going onAccording to the yoga philosophy, all parts of a body
fast or to stop (when onset of illness or injury iswork together in harmony and impairment of one
detected).causes others to suffer too. Incorporating short
Knowledge of your body's energy reserves is alsospans of asanas during warm-up and cooling down
imperative. Every individual faces a variation of vigorsessions will bring equilibrium, symmetry and alignment
level on a daily and sometimes on an hourly basis.of each body part. This will guarantee a healthy and
Again a yoga practitioner will benefit from thispleasant period of going fast.
information; depending on that day's or hour's energy