What is Yoga for Athletes

by Jeffery Driscoll

What is Yoga for Athletes?

This is a mix of traditional hatha style yoga in which postures are held statically for a longer period of time and vinyasa style athletic flowing yoga where postures are held for a single breath.

It involves:

1. 20 to 30 minutes of Athletic Flowing Yoga

- This Athletic Flowing Yoga helps to improve our stamina and strength, connect our movements to our breath, increase flexibility and power, and warm our bodies to prepare us for deeper static stretches. We also focus on using our breath to improve concentration which can aid in your sport of choice or daily life.

2. 20 minutes of Core Exercises to strengthen the abs and back

- These exercises are all yoga inspired movements and not pilates. We do traditional back bend postures to stretch and relax the back. We also do postures that strengthen our abdominals and core in standing or kneeling postures by engaging what is called a belly lock or uddiyana bandha.

This is not an abdominal class or a pilates class. We do not lie on the ground. These are all yoga exercises. This also increases strength and power throughout the body.

3. 20 minutes of Yoga Stretching

- This is traditional hatha style yoga. These postures and poses are static stretches meaning we hold them for longer periods. This leads to a reduction in muscle tension predominate in people who train extensively. Also by increasing our flexibility, we will be able to train harder, lift more resistance, and feel stronger and more powerful.

This class will not involve a mediation/relaxation component.

Modifications for all:

THIS CLASS HAS HOMEWORK

Homework sheets may be given out specific to different individuals with flowing postures to practice daily, 20 to 30 minutes, primary adaptations of sunset salutations. You may also be given hatha style postures to work with.

To register, contact Jeff Driscoll at thezenofyoga@hotmail.com. You must book in advance.

Namaste,

Jeff Driscoll