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Useful YogaPoses forRunners

Deep-rooted in promoting physical well-roundedness, yoga proves to be a beneficial physical

activity that improves flexibility, range of motion,muscular strength to help prevent injury or other

detriments to the body. For many, practicing yogacan also have positive effects, such as aiding mental

health by increasing focus levels and overalldecreasing stress related causes.

Rebecca Pacheco, a previous yoga instructor and currentpracticing athlete is a firm believer that practicing yogaenhances a runner’s form, while also highlighting how

certain methods can actually make certain muscles moreflexible. Pachecho states that ‘I started running when Iwas 14 and doing yoga when I was 16, so I really don’t

know one without the other,’ says the yoga instructor andmarathon runner.

Legs on the wallA great starter to first getcomfortable with simple yogapractices, stretching your legs onthe wall relieves hamstrings andglutes, while also alleviatingstress in your back. The easiestway to do this is to slide upbeside an open wall space, withyour hips as close to the base ofthe wall as is comfortable. Afterswinging your legs up against thewall, try to rest here anywherefrom 10 to 30 breaths until youfeel at ease.

Reclining hand to big toeThis yoga practice consists oflying on your back with yourlegs extended, and wrappinga yoga strap around the archof your right foot and holdboth ends of the strap withyour right hand. Whilestraightening your right knee,try to loosen your hamstringmore to feel a good stretchdown your thigh. Since thenature of this pose is tostretch, you can recline aslong as you feel as thoughyou’re not overworkingyourself.

Low lungeThis stretch is most ideal if you want to strengthen

hamstrings and quads. The first step is to set your right footforward between your hands. Lower your left knee and,

keeping the right knee in place, slide the left one back. Thefinal step is to turn the top of your left foot to the floor andlift your torso upright to sweep your arms out to the sides

and overhead. Stay in this position for around 15-20 secondsor until the pose makes you feel more relaxed.