yoga and physical activity

Yoga is an ancient practice that has gained popularity in recent years as an effective method for improving physical and mental health.

With spring on the way, if you are looking for a physical activity to get back in shape or to supplement your current sports routine , yoga can be a great option. In this article, Yofe explores for you the different ways to incorporate yoga into your sports or fitness routine.

Start with the basics

If you are new to the practice of yoga, it is important to start with the basics. If you think that yoga is necessarily putting one leg around your neck while balancing on one arm, rest assured, it's easier to start!

Learn about the different types of yoga and find a class for beginners. This will allow you to discover the basic postures and familiarize yourself with the different breathing techniques used in the practice of yoga.

On Yofe's blog, you will find sheets that detail the different yoga

Add yoga to your routine

One of the best ways to incorporate yoga into your fitness routine is to add it to your schedule. Set a realistic goal , like practicing yoga once a week. It is better to start slowly and stick to it than to set too ambitious goals, which will ultimately discourage us.

Find a class in a yoga studio near you or try an online class, via youtube for example.

Combination with other activities

Yoga can also be combined with other fitness activities. For example, you can practice yoga before or after a cardio or weight training session.

Practicing yoga as a warm-up can help improve flexibility and mobility, while allowing you to focus on your breathing and relax. During this time, you can think about the objectives of your session (run more kilometers, lift more weight, etc.). Yoga allows you to be focused quickly.

Here are three examples of yoga asanas that can be used to stretch the muscles and prepare your concentration:

Uttanasana (the standing pinch pose): This pose involves standing with the feet hip-width apart, then bending the body forward to reach the toes or shins. This pose stretches the hamstrings, lower back, and calf muscles.

Marjariasana-Bitilasana (the posture of the cow-cat): This sequence of two postures consists of alternating between the posture of the cow (marjariasana) where one inspires by raising the head and arching the back, and the posture of the cat (bitilasana) where you exhale rounding your back and lowering your head. This sequence stretches the back and shoulders.

Anjaneyasana (the low lunge posture): This posture consists of getting into a forward lunge position with one knee bent at 90 degrees and the other leg extended behind you. This pose stretches the hips, quads, and hip flexors.

These three asanas are effective stretches for different muscle groups and can be included in a yoga session to help improve body flexibility and mobility. It is important to warm up properly before performing these asanas and to practice them under the supervision of a qualified yoga teacher if you are a beginner.

Use yoga to recover after exercise

If you already practice sports such as running, boxing or cycling, yoga can also be used to recover after exercise. Stretches and yoga postures can help reduce muscle soreness and increase flexibility. Try practicing a few yoga poses after your regular workout to improve your recovery and prevent injuries.

Here are three examples of yoga asanas that can help you relax after a workout:

Balasana (Child's Pose): This asana involves kneeling and bending forward with the forehead touching the floor. This posture stretches the back and hips and can help relieve stress and tension in these areas.

Supta Baddha Konasana (Recumbent Frog Pose): This pose involves lying on your back with your feet together and your knees dropping to the sides. This pose stretches the hips and groin and can help calm the mind and reduce stress.

Savasana (Corpse Pose): This asana involves lying on your back with your arms and legs relaxed and your eyes closed. This pose helps release muscle and mental tension, allowing the body to rest and recover after physical exertion.

These three asanas can be practiced at the end of a workout to help calm the mind and reduce muscle tension. It is important to breathe slowly and deeply while practicing these postures to maximize their relaxing effects.

You can listen to “zen” music during this phase. This increases introspection and increases relaxation. You will recharge your energy and create good memories for your body. Next time, it will be easier to find the momentum to go play sports.

Find a community

By having sprinkled your sports practice with a few yoga tweezers, there is a good chance that you will become a full-fledged yoga practitioner !

If you want to take up yoga more seriously and more regularly, you can surely find a community near you of people who share your new passion.

Join a yoga group or participate in local yoga events. This will allow you to meet new people and motivate you to continue your practice.

In conclusion, incorporating yoga into your sports practice or during a period of fitness can be a great way to boost your physical and mental health. By starting slow and with the basics, adding yoga to your routine , using it to cool down after exercise, combining it with other activities, and finding community, you'll quickly reap the many benefits of yoga. .

We all know it, beginner or advanced, yoga is a rewarding and enjoyable practice for everyone.