In order to avoid sports-related injuries, keeping your body strong and flexible is important. Cross training between seasonal sporting activities and Yoga will help you to receive the benefits of a well-rounded exercise program, while simultaneously preventing injuries due to the repetitive nature of many sports. A regular practice of Yoga will keep your muscles and ligament strong and flexible. However, do keep in mind that Yoga may not provide enough cardiovascular conditioning for you. Unless you are an intermediate or advanced Yoga practitioner, you may find it difficult to keep your heart rate consistently elevated to an aerobic level during your Yoga practice.
* Adho Mukha Svanasana or Downward Facing Dog
Downward Facing Dog is one of the core postures of any Yoga practice. It offers a myriad of benefits. Downward Facing Dog increases the circulation of prana throughout your entire body, releases tension in the shoulders, elongates the neck muscles, and releases tension in the lower back. A few of the most important benefits of Downward Facing Dog for runners are the release of muscular tension in the hamstrings, Achilles’ tendons and calf muscles. These are areas that often become strained while running or jogging, particularly on pavement or other hard surfaces. Practicing Downward Facing Dog on a regular basis will also help to keep your spine in alignment and release tension in the Heart and Throat Chakra areas, which will increase your energy and overall sense of well-being.
When you are ready, place both feet flat on your mat, elongate the stretch in your upper torso by pressing against your hands and gaze at your belly button. Breathe deeply and fully for three to five breaths while holding Downward Facing Dog. To come out of the pose, with an inhale look forward and jump or walk your feet back to Standing Forward Fold. Hold Standing Forward Fold for a few breaths and with your next inhale, raise your arms back overhead, and then bring your hands to meet in Prayer Position at your Heart Chakra.
© Copyright – Virginia Iversen / Aura Wellness Center – Publications Division
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