Written by April Ropes, runner and a 500-hr Yoga Instructor. April teaches and co-manages the yoga studio at Synergy Wellness, Hudson MA
There aspects of the yoga practice — not related to stretching — that can be very beneficial to runners. Specifically the breathing!
If you are taking time off from training for races this winter, you might spend some time getting curious about the breath on some of your runs.
Of course, coming to a yoga class will help you to think more about breath control and lung capacity, so please reach out if you want some guidance about what classes to attend.
Get Curious:
Here are some suggestions from Sage Rountree’s book: Yoga for Runners
1. On your next few outings, pay attention to how the breath relates to your stride. Ask yourself, “How does your breath coordinate with your foot strike at an easy pace? At tempo pace? At a mile pace? At a 400-meter pace? How many steps do you take as you inhale? How many when you exhale? Which foot is striking the ground when you begin your inhale? Which foot is striking the ground when you begin your out breath? In times when you find yourself feeling off or flustered, compare your current breath to your breath when you feel successful.
Note: If you get a side stitch, notice which foot is striking the ground as your inhalation and exhalation begin and then change your breathing so the other foot is hitting the ground. This change in breath pattern changes the position of your diaphragm and could help relax the muscle.
Come breath with me at Synergy Wellness in Hudson!
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