24/11/2020
Is Yoga good for you if you do other sports?
Before answering this question it is important to mention that the word yoga is often associated with physical exercises only. And even though it is an important aspect, yoga can be far more than this. It can free our breath, guide us into meditation or open the path to self-exploration. Yoga can be many things, but it does not need to be anything.
At Natural Flow Yoga we like to think that yoga is an opportunity to create a more balanced, healthier life.
Let's return to the original question. If you are an amateur or professional sportsman who puts conscious effort into how to train and take good care of your body, how to energize and how to calm your mind when it is needed, then probably you are well on your way to a healthy curve in your sportlife.
And in this case Yoga can be a great set of tools to use.
Think of it as a toolbox containing all the goodies you need to boost your development. Core strength, flexibility, active range of motion, concentration, confidence, efficient use of power – these qualities give you the freedom to do what you love and keep you free from injuries.
And the most important of all – the awareness and intelligence to know which tool suits the situation – is at the very core of your yoga practice.
The reason that many professional athletes and trainers use and suggest yoga as a second sport, is because while many sports aim for performance, yoga is mainly about balance and grounding. Achieving a stable foundation to build on.
Balance between muscle groups. Balance between strength and flexibility, explosiveness and stability, breath and movement and last but not least, balance between the body and the mind.
It is a bit like building a tower. You can aim to build as high as you want, but in order to make it strong and lasting, you have to make sure that it is stable and standing firm, before you start building a new floor on top of it.
So as a short answer, if you are aiming for a long-lasting result in your sport, yoga can support you in many different ways. And it is only up to you, how much you are willing to take from what it can offer for you.
If you would like to know more about Yoga, and our philosophy behind it, take our free trial membership and join us at Natural Flow Yoga.
https://naturalflow.yoga