Yoga for athletes?

KevinVDS · 11-20-2009, 01:13 AM

Hi all,

As a marathon runner I'm looking for a way to make my body more flexible and stretch my muscles. At the same time I want to sculpture my body (muscles) and find some relaxation.

I'm new to Yoga but I thing it can offer me a way to achieve my goals. The only problem I'm having is choosing the right type of Yoga for my goals.

I read about PowerYoga... Can anybody confirm this might be the most suitable type of Yoga for my goals? Are there any other types?

The second problem is that I read on several websites that PowerYoga is synonym for Vinyasa Yoga, but in some other books Ashtanga Yoga is referred to PowerYoga....

K

Techne · 11-20-2009, 10:02 AM

Hi, Kevin! Welcome to the forums.
There is great diversity, especially in the States, as to what you will find in a yoga class. At last report, 'PowerYoga' was not anyone's particular trademark, so (again, I think) it is up for interpretation and co-opting.
It sounds like you're looking primarily for physical benefits from yoga -- I assume you also need this to fit in to an established marathoner's training regimen. I suggest your best bet will be to try out some beginner classes when you are between training cycles. Folks here can describe what they got out of one class or another (and I hope they will), but "individual results may vary", and yoga respects that.

InnerAthlete · 11-20-2009, 01:23 PM

Hello Kevin,

I suppose the safe route would be for me to merely answer the question asked. But the cook must be the cook

The physical practice of postures (asanas) that are a part of Yoga are thought by some to be a flexibility practice. However this thinking is fertilized by mass media and pop culture rather than traditional, classical, or reasonable thinking.

As asana practice is about mobilizing some things AND stabilizing others. These two things must go together in order to harmonize the human body, in order to maintain integrity in the joints, in order to avoid hip and knee replacements, in order to provide both safety and effect to the practitioner.

Additionally there is a vast amount of "Yoga" beyond asana. In fact most of yoga is NOT asana

As such, Yoga itself is not about the physical body - though there is some work of the physical body oft required.

When working with athletes I begin by clarifying that a yoga practice is most fruitful when it counters our nature rather than adds to the heap. Many of us, marathons or not, lead very hectic, rushing, running, over scheduled, overstimulated, and stressful lives. Yoga practice is effective when it counterbalances this living thus preventing us from burning out our inner engine. Such burn can often lead to sickness or dis-ease.

However, there are many people who use yoga in a "more of the same" fashion and those people can be very committed, often swearing up and down how beneficial their practice is. So to stay sane I take a position of "to each their own". I merely provide sound advice. Some follow and some do not and more power to both as they pursue the lessons they need in this life.

For stretching muscles and sculpting the body I earnestly believe that work with a functional strength coach would be the most effective use of one's time.

Power yoga, vinyasa yoga, ashtanga yoga, hot yoga, these are all very active, frisky, furtive physical practices. They would be much like the marathons or training you are already doing. Having practiced each of them at some period of my life I can tell you that there isn't much beyond the physical practice offered, though the shared vernacular might lead one to believe otherwise.

However, these may be completely appropriate for YOU based on the goals you listed. I believe I've given you enough information to choose one of these or look in different corners. If there are a additional questions you have please feel free to continue the thread.

gordon

mikesbytes · 11-20-2009, 08:45 PM

Hey Kev, I'm a racing cyclists (mainly Track ie velodrome). To me yoga gives a whole host of benefits that compliment my life, not just the cycling.

Rather than getting too hung up about what sort of yoga, why don't you try a few classes in your local area and see what you like.

KevinVDS · 11-21-2009, 12:08 AM

Thx for the valuable advice!

Willem · 11-21-2009, 01:50 AM

Hello Kevin,

If you like reading, you could have a look at Jean Couch's book on running and yoga. Going to a yoga class is more important, though. Why not try out a class without the "power yoga" appeal? There is enough "power" in your marathon training already. Developing more awareness of your bodymind could be a welcome addition. Of course there will be benefits in terms of relaxation, flexibility, strength and stamina as well.

Richard Rosen has reviewed the book I mention: The Runner's Yoga Book: A Balanced Approach to Fitness by Jean Couch (Rodmell Press, 1992). One of the best introductions to the practice of yoga postures. Clearly written and well organized, with more than 400 illustrations and photographs. The models demonstrate three levels of practice—beginning, intermediate, and advanced—so this book will have a long shelf life and be useful for years to come. Covers nearly 100 postures (along with variations), all of them suitable for beginners. Also includes sections on yoga basics and organizing a home practice.

mikesbytes · 11-21-2009, 02:31 AM

Hi Willem, that sounds like an interesting book. You've reminded me that there is a series of video's - "Yoga for runners" "Yoga for cyclists" etc. I haven't seen them, does anyone have some views on these video's.

PrettyBoy · 11-25-2009, 02:51 AM

Hi I have a question too regarding Yoga in athletes. I play basketball competitively.. not professionally though. Can Yoga help in my conditioning and athleticism?

InnerAthlete · 11-25-2009, 09:30 PM

Yes it can.

PrettyBoy · 11-26-2009, 03:24 AM

If you don't mind me asking, how many times a week should Yoga be done for it to be effective?

kulai · 12-07-2009, 09:10 PM

Yoga is great for running because it prevents you from getting injured. The mental toughness that is required in long distance running like marathon or triathlon can be achieved through yoga. I am a long distance runner and I can't do without yoga.

11-20-2009, 10:02 AM	#2
Techne saptashata Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Salem Oregon Posts: 784	Hi, Kevin! Welcome to the forums. There is great diversity, especially in the States, as to what you will find in a yoga class. At last report, 'PowerYoga' was not anyone's particular trademark, so (again, I think) it is up for interpretation and co-opting. It sounds like you're looking primarily for physical benefits from yoga -- I assume you also need this to fit in to an established marathoner's training regimen. I suggest your best bet will be to try out some beginner classes when you are between training cycles. Folks here can describe what they got out of one class or another (and I hope they will), but "individual results may vary", and yoga respects that. __________________ Maranatha

11-20-2009, 01:23 PM	#3
InnerAthlete Mostly Good Egg Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 2,128	Hello Kevin, I suppose the safe route would be for me to merely answer the question asked. But the cook must be the cook The physical practice of postures (asanas) that are a part of Yoga are thought by some to be a flexibility practice. However this thinking is fertilized by mass media and pop culture rather than traditional, classical, or reasonable thinking. As asana practice is about mobilizing some things AND stabilizing others. These two things must go together in order to harmonize the human body, in order to maintain integrity in the joints, in order to avoid hip and knee replacements, in order to provide both safety and effect to the practitioner. Additionally there is a vast amount of "Yoga" beyond asana. In fact most of yoga is NOT asana As such, Yoga itself is not about the physical body - though there is some work of the physical body oft required. When working with athletes I begin by clarifying that a yoga practice is most fruitful when it counters our nature rather than adds to the heap. Many of us, marathons or not, lead very hectic, rushing, running, over scheduled, overstimulated, and stressful lives. Yoga practice is effective when it counterbalances this living thus preventing us from burning out our inner engine. Such burn can often lead to sickness or dis-ease. However, there are many people who use yoga in a "more of the same" fashion and those people can be very committed, often swearing up and down how beneficial their practice is. So to stay sane I take a position of "to each their own". I merely provide sound advice. Some follow and some do not and more power to both as they pursue the lessons they need in this life. For stretching muscles and sculpting the body I earnestly believe that work with a functional strength coach would be the most effective use of one's time. Power yoga, vinyasa yoga, ashtanga yoga, hot yoga, these are all very active, frisky, furtive physical practices. They would be much like the marathons or training you are already doing. Having practiced each of them at some period of my life I can tell you that there isn't much beyond the physical practice offered, though the shared vernacular might lead one to believe otherwise. However, these may be completely appropriate for YOU based on the goals you listed. I believe I've given you enough information to choose one of these or look in different corners. If there are a additional questions you have please feel free to continue the thread. gordon __________________ Gordon Kaplan Certified Purna Yoga Teacher (CPYT) Yoga Alliance RYT-500 International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT) M.S. Kinesiology, Indiana University http://www.teamyoga.com http://www.yogamojodojo.com http://www.innerathlete.net/forum

11-20-2009, 08:45 PM	#4
mikesbytes shatá Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Sydney, Australia Posts: 128	Hey Kev, I'm a racing cyclists (mainly Track ie velodrome). To me yoga gives a whole host of benefits that compliment my life, not just the cycling. Rather than getting too hung up about what sort of yoga, why don't you try a few classes in your local area and see what you like. __________________ The more I learn, the more I learn how much more I have to learn

11-21-2009, 02:31 AM	#7
mikesbytes shatá Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Sydney, Australia Posts: 128	Hi Willem, that sounds like an interesting book. You've reminded me that there is a series of video's - "Yoga for runners" "Yoga for cyclists" etc. I haven't seen them, does anyone have some views on these video's. __________________ The more I learn, the more I learn how much more I have to learn

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11-20-2009, 01:13 AM	#1
KevinVDS dvi Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 2	Hi all, As a marathon runner I'm looking for a way to make my body more flexible and stretch my muscles. At the same time I want to sculpture my body (muscles) and find some relaxation. I'm new to Yoga but I thing it can offer me a way to achieve my goals. The only problem I'm having is choosing the right type of Yoga for my goals. I read about PowerYoga... Can anybody confirm this might be the most suitable type of Yoga for my goals? Are there any other types? The second problem is that I read on several websites that PowerYoga is synonym for Vinyasa Yoga, but in some other books Ashtanga Yoga is referred to PowerYoga.... K

11-21-2009, 12:08 AM	#5
KevinVDS dvi Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 2	Thx for the valuable advice!

11-21-2009, 01:50 AM	#6
Willem trishatá Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 327	Hello Kevin, If you like reading, you could have a look at Jean Couch's book on running and yoga. Going to a yoga class is more important, though. Why not try out a class without the "power yoga" appeal? There is enough "power" in your marathon training already. Developing more awareness of your bodymind could be a welcome addition. Of course there will be benefits in terms of relaxation, flexibility, strength and stamina as well. Richard Rosen has reviewed the book I mention: The Runner's Yoga Book: A Balanced Approach to Fitness by Jean Couch (Rodmell Press, 1992). One of the best introductions to the practice of yoga postures. Clearly written and well organized, with more than 400 illustrations and photographs. The models demonstrate three levels of practice—beginning, intermediate, and advanced—so this book will have a long shelf life and be useful for years to come. Covers nearly 100 postures (along with variations), all of them suitable for beginners. Also includes sections on yoga basics and organizing a home practice.

11-25-2009, 02:51 AM	#8
PrettyBoy vimshatí Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Singapore Posts: 27	Hi I have a question too regarding Yoga in athletes. I play basketball competitively.. not professionally though. Can Yoga help in my conditioning and athleticism?

11-25-2009, 09:30 PM	#9
InnerAthlete Mostly Good Egg Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 2,128	Yes it can.

11-26-2009, 03:24 AM	#10
PrettyBoy vimshatí Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Singapore Posts: 27	If you don't mind me asking, how many times a week should Yoga be done for it to be effective?

12-07-2009, 09:10 PM	#11
kulai dashan Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: singapore Posts: 17	Yoga is great for running because it prevents you from getting injured. The mental toughness that is required in long distance running like marathon or triathlon can be achieved through yoga. I am a long distance runner and I can't do without yoga.