From April Ropes, Yoga Teacher, YA-500RYT and fellow Strider!
As a runner and a yoga teacher, I’m often asked for tips about how to start a yoga practice. Many of you may be wanting to add yoga to your routine, but don’t know where to begin.
Here are five tips to get you started, but feel free to message me directly if you’d like more information.
1. Begin where you are! YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE FLEXIBLE! Yoga is an integration of body, mind and breath. Stretching is only one component. Think of yoga as a complement to your running routine that will not only help you physically, but mentally and energetically.
2. The intensity of your training will determine what kind of yoga you should do. During your off-season or base period, you might focus on building strength and correcting imbalances in the body – (Try Vinyasa Flow or Hatha Yoga for example). In peak training season, you may want to focus on recovery and maintaining flexibility. (Gentle, Yin and Restorative yoga might be good during this time.)
3. Look for studios that offers different levels of classes, and start out in a gentle or beginner-friendly class. If the studio doesn’t feel welcoming to beginners, try somewhere else!
4. Equipment – Most yoga studios have yoga props, which help to modify yoga poses. Usually all you need is an exercise mat – nothing fancy, and many studios have mats available too. Yoga is usually done with bare feet. Just wear comfortable clothes.
5. Tell your teacher about your level of experience. Most yoga studios are not as intimidating as you think. Your teacher is there to help you feel safe and to guide you to feel what works for your body. It’s helpful to find an experienced teacher who is Yoga Alliance certified.
Come see me at Synergy Wellness in Hudson! I’m teaching Yoga for Beginners on Monday nights in January and then Yoga for Athletes starting in February. I hope this is the year you can incorporate some yoga into your routine to help complement your running. Happy New Year!
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