😀 I’m going to start with that silly grin because right after typing that title, I had a good chuckle. The thought that I’m actually writing a POST on a BLOG about Yoga AND Endurance Training, has me giggling… even as I typed this sentence 🙂
So most nights when I’ve come in from either a doing a 5K run, interval training or walk I do about 30 – 40 minutes of yoga, pilates, stretches and tension band work. Nothing formal, just my favorite stuff from each of those disciplines.
The yoga and the pilates help center me and strengthen my core and the stretching during those help my muscles after a good workout. It feels great and I usually do it jamming to Lady Gaga and Bon Jovi. Funny combination!
I found this post in my inbox this morning and I am even more dedicated to doing yoga in a more formal way after reading it, as I’m planning on doing a triathlon next August with 3 bloggy friends… Anna, Sandra and Cindy. It’s going to be a blast! I can’t wait to get home and start my formal training!
Here’s the link and I hope everyone is having a fabulous week!
The first two paragrahs
Why Yoga Can Benefit Endurance Athletes
By Kellye Mills
Yoga is most often associated with benefits such as flexibility, stability and strength, all of which are very important. However, it’s not as often associated with endurance, which is yet another wonderful advantage to be gained from yoga classes. Endurance athletes spend countless hours training their neuromuscular and metabolic systems in an effort to increase their endurance so that they may race efficiently for extended periods of time. However, the hours spent using their bodies to swim, bike, and run can often lead to injury and burnout.
These exercises require a great amount of strength endurance in order for your muscles to repeatedly produce and sustain maximal power output over the course of the activity. Certain types of yoga classes are designed with strength endurance in mind providing opportunities for your body to repeat exercises requiring a great amount of strength with little to no rest. This creates a similar effect to that of the training we usually endure without the added stress on our bodies from too many miles of swimming, biking and running….
Ciao!
Flamidwyfe's Blog 
I have been toying with adding Yoga to my routine. Haven’t gotten around to doing it yet as the Yoga I have tried so far didn’t really work for me. I found another Yoga Center and it is my fall mission to go and check it out. Thanks for reminding me! 🙂
I think that it keeps me balanced and brings me back down to earth after a good hard run 🙂
The best golf and softball I ever played was when I did yoga weekly . . . I am adding it again to my regimen after Saturday’s tri!
Seriously, softball? I played for 14 years! Loved the game 🙂
Me too! LOVE IT!
Love this .. I am kinda apathetic about Yoga but I think that’s because I don’t want to admit I suck at it. I’m impatient … You make me want to try it again 🙂
I accidentally deleted your question about running on the treadmill/rhythm? My secret? No incline … pace myself and just do it. I can do it outside but I live on a hill and get distracted by neighbours wanting to chat etc. Easier to just run inside … So far.. so good! MJ
LOL… I suck at it, too… but I keep doing it. When I go to the yoga studio in Hong Kong I always feel out of place, but the people there don’t judge… I love the teacher, she comes over and corrects position… but I like doing it at home, a lot more. I subscribe to YogAmazing. He’s got some short ones when you don’t have a lot of time and focuses on body parts… I enjoy it…
Maybe once I’m home, I’ll give treadmill running a go again. I need to find my rhythm I guess 🙂
She sounds like a wonderful trainer; I will check out your Yogamazing, might just be what I need, always good to keep learning, right?
And on the running thing, I only prefer to run inside b/c my wobbly bits are far too confusing for anyone driving by … and esp. me! Cheers! MJ
I think you’ll love YogAmazing!
These are the running pants I wear… they keep my wobbly bits all hidden… LOL
http://store.nike.com/us/en_us/?l=shop,pdp,ctr-inline/cid-100701/pid-436882
You are so right! Yoga helps sooo much with endurance, especially with running (and I second the person who commented..love YogAmazing – even though the guy talks WAY too much, it’s a great, 20 minute session each time :))
I love his podcast, but you’re right he talks too much. My favorite is the 10 minute morning segment 🙂
Me too! (Also love Yoga Today’s free online stuff – such pretty scenery too!)
Signed up with them today! Thanks for the recommendation 🙂