(Photo: Angela from Happy Fit Mama)

Yoga is a very popular workout in it’s own right, but to all the runners out there – have you ever thought about incorporating it into your race training?  Many runners add a day of yoga into their training schedule or use it as an active rest day.

Three reasons to add yoga to your race training:

• Stretching

It’s no secret that runners have insanely tight legs.  The tighter the muscle, the smaller the range of motion.  Allowing your muscles to lengthen and open up will teach your body to move in a more organic way.  This can help with injury prevention.

• Strengthening

Runners needs strength in their legs to help propel their movement.  Running will build up the same muscles over and over.  Yoga can be used as a way to strengthen a broader range of muscles.  This too can help with injury prevention as well as help your race times.

• Relaxing

Many people describe yoga as an escape.  Let’s face it, race training can be stressful.  Yes we know you love the peace of the road when you’re out running.  Yoga can offer a similar kind of peace without thinking about your Garmin or heart rate monitor.

(Photo: Theodora from Losing Weight In The City)

______________________________________________________________________________________________

How to get started:

Don’t be afraid to try yoga for the first time.  Everyone has to start somewhere, remember your first run?  The most important thing is to choose a class or session for beginners.

• Go to a class

Most studios offer an introductory special (for the first week or first month) so you can try the classes at a discount.  If at all possible get to a class because your teacher will be able to show you proper positioning and help with adjustments.  Tell them it’s your first time.

(Photo: Toni from Running, Loving, Living)

• Buy a DVD

There are a lot of yoga workouts on video.  Do you have a yogi friend?  Ask them to recommend their favorite.  Or try this – a Toronto based yoga teacher has actually come out with a DVD called Yoga for Runners.

• Try an online class

You can try yoga in the comfort of your own home with sites like Yoga Download and YogaGLO.

• Make your own session

Do some research and make a collection of poses that you want to try, then get down on the floor and start your own session.  Try these gentle moves from Runner’s World.

(Photo: Kierston from CaNdY FiT)

Do you incorporate yoga into your training already?  Leave us some tips for first timers.

New to yoga?  What method are you likely to try for your first time?