Run for Your Life
Yoga Improves Athletic
Abilities
I used to be a
runner, but my running ceased when I reinjured my left knee over ten years ago. Back in my glorious high school years, I tore
my ACL while playing soccer. I followed
the physical therapists advice and built up all the muscles around my knee to
further support it.
Many years later while
living in Cincinnati, I decided to run my first 5k. I began training by running longer distances
and continuing my strength training.
“Crunch!” That was the sound my
knee made a few weeks into the training.
Upon reviewing an MRI, this doctor concluded my ACL had loosened and I
have one of two choices – get surgery to repair the damage or stop high impact
training like running.
As you many have
gathered, I elected not to get the surgery and opened my arms to yoga. I, like many of my clients, didn’t understand
how you could get a great workout if you didn’t leave the gym sweaty and barely
moving. I first tried many hot yoga
classes (any style of yoga that heats the room to a balmy 90+ degrees), which
left me sweaty, but incomplete. I wanted
more from my workouts.
One day, I tried an
Iyengar yoga style class (style known for its use of props to demonstrate
asanas correctly). This class moved
much slower, but emphasized what I should be feeling within each pose. Once I added my mind to my practice, I
noticed a complete change. I didn’t need
to feel physically exhausted. I needed
to feel re-energized.
Prana Flow®, the
style I currently teach, offers students a way to help let go of their busy
minds and find their own flow.
Within one class, I see students who take what I say and make it their
own. One student who needs more movement
may take her practice further while another who has dealt with a stressful day
may back off and allow the asana to melt the tension.
As an athlete, I
challenge you to find yoga not when injury occurs, but before to better protect
your body. Loosen the hips to find
more power in your runs. Open the
shoulders and torso while watching your golf ball soar. Build strength and endurance to complete your
bike ride. Yoga is for every athlete and
every BODY.
