Cross Training with Yoga Workouts
I’ve always wanted to get into yoga workouts for various reasons. The main one is to use it as a form of cross training to help strengthen my core for running. But there are so many other reasons why I’ve wanted to start doing yoga, including: improve posture, form, flexibility and more. I’ve also heard that yoga is so intense that the only thing you’re thinking about is the current stretch or pose, which means your mind cannot be distracted about anything else. I almost always have that issue when I’m running, my mind wanders and before I know it, I’m thinking about work stuff or what errands I have to run later. I’ve noticed that other physical activities like basketball and soccer allow me to really focus on the sport at hand, and not worry about anything else that usually bothers me throughout the day.
If I were to ever get into yoga, I’d probably choose an intense yoga workout, like bikram yoga or hot yoga as a lot of people seem to call it. I heard that the moment you walk into the classroom, you begin to sweat. And I’ve sat inside a car on a hot day, I can only assume it’s worse with bikram yoga. Fortunately, the only gear you need is what you’re wearing. For your first class, I’d recommend some printed bikram yoga shorts so that you aren’t weighed down with unnecessary weight and can stretch and sweat freely. Yoga is also a great way to focus on your breathing, which is a very important thing when it comes to running. You always want to breathe properly so that you avoid developing a cramp during your run, which just makes it even more painful than it has to be.
I barely have enough time to run or go to the gym during the week, I also have soccer and cycling which makes finding time for yoga that much harder. But hopefully I can make it a habit and reap all of the benefits that are associated to yoga.
