Run for Your Life

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.