Yoga For Athletes: A Deeper Dive

On this episode of the beYogi Webinar Series our guest host returns to take a deeper dive into yoga for athletes and the best ways to incorporate yoga into your personal or your students cross-training. Watch the first webinar here. 

Our guest host is Renee Harrington M.S. Exercise Science, E-RYT 500, and Senior Master Trainer at YogaFit Inc. She has over a decade of experience as an instructor/presenter, Renee blends her knowledge in exercise physiology, nutrition, and biomechanical principles with personal experience to provide valuable information and practical tips for athletic performance, stress management, and metabolic aspects of physical activity.

Click here to follow along with Renee's slides.

Yoga For Athletes: A Deeper Dive

Yoga Provides Balance for the Athlete

Physical fitness is defined as "a set of attributes that people have or achieve that relates to the ability to perform physical activity”. Each aspect of physical fitness is important to your health and your students health.

5 Components of Fitness

1. Muscular Endurance
2. Muscular Strength
3. Cardio-Respiratory Fitness
4. Body Composition
5. Flexibility

Muscle Imbalances In Athletes

We all experience muscle imbalances whether you are an athlete, yogi, or just getting started. There are two common syndromes: Upper Crossed Syndrome & Lower Crossed Syndrome. 

• The upper crossed syndrome is known for over/underactive muscles in the neck, chest and shoulders. 
• The lower crossed syndrome is known for being over/underactive muscles in the low back, abs, glutes, and hip flexors. 

Myofascial Meridians

Humans are constantly in dynamic movement whether it is from daily activities or working out. Anatomy trains are the ropes of transmission from muscle to muscle through the fascial fabric. 

Shortness or adhesions can produce body-wide structural changes which yoga can be used to address. Yoga can help faulty posture patterns and dysfunctions and restore balance. 

Incorporating Weights

Adding weights into your routine can add increases level of intensity for physical and mental challenges. It can enhance the ability to build muscle, challenge stability and concentration, and aerobic levels. 

Use light weights (2-10lbs)

• Dumbbells, kettlebells, bars, weighted balls. 

Make sure to watch the entire webinar for all the deep explanations of the 5 components of fitness, functional movement screens, and even more tips regarding yoga for athletes. 

About YogaFit Inc.

YogaFit is an online training school offering workshops, webinars, trainings, and more focused in sports science and alignment principles. If you are interested in learning more or even taking a training with them make sure to take advantage of our exclusive offer. Save 20% on all trainings in the YogaFit For Athletes 100HR program with code B2022.