For runners, springtime in Pittsburgh is an exciting time. However, as a runner you may be feeling a bit of impact from constantly slamming your foot against that recently snow cleared pavement. Yoga is a sport in itself, but may also be a great compliment to many other practices.
Specifically, runners who are brushing off their running shoes to enjoy the Pittsburgh spring weather may find yoga particularly attractive. There have been a number of recent articles providing anecdotes of runners who found their running practice or ability to protect their body against running injuries was enhanced by yoga practice.
Yoga practice compliments running by giving runners a forum to stretch and restore muscles usually activated for running. Yoga can also provide balance to your body by strengthening those muscles that are not strengthened through running practice, alone.
Secondary benefits of supplementing your running routine with yoga practice are the mental benefits. Yoga provides a strong emphasis on awareness of the body. As a runner, you may be susceptible to not listening to your body and pushing that practice at the risk of developing an injury. By developing a body awareness, you can learn to protect yourself from injuries that have the potential to stall your running practice. Additionally, the meditative aspect of yoga could increase your focus and attention to breathing during race day.
Interested in a workshop? On April 7, 2-4 pm, at Schoolhouse Yoga Shadyside, Richard Gartner is holding a Yoga or Runners and Cyclists workshop. Yoga Flow is also holding a Yoga for Runners Workshop at both its South Hills and Aspinwall studio on April 14. Check your favorite yoga studio to see if it has a similar upcoming workshop!
