Yoga is not only about postures, it’s a complete system that encompasses the body, mind, and spirit. As the body is exposed to tension and tightness, energy flow is restricted therefore working at below optimum levels.
When the harmony in our body becomes unbalanced, our own systems such as muscular, vascular, digestive and nervous systems, slow down or “slump” resulting in muscle tightness. These tense muscles press down into the bone preventing proper lubrication to the joints as oxygen and nutrients are blocked from feeding muscular tissue.
Yoga techniques help lower stress levels physically through stretching and postures, but also mentally by calming the mind and reducing stress responses of the sympathetic nervous system.
When it comes to sport, Yoga can be seen as the “secret weapon” by giving you that edge over the competition. You are able to focus on the core physical strengths your body requires to endure the physical impacts during athletic exercise.
Most athletes also understand the benefits of stretching, for example stretching hamstrings before a run or any activity involving intense use of your legs. Stretching is integral in Yoga mixed with breathing techniques to help you focus on improving your body’s overall performance. Yoga can help muscles becomes stronger and more flexible while at the same time prevent injury.
Typical injuries associated with sport involve the feet, ankle and knees. Yoga techniques focus not only on muscular health but joints and tendons as well through the various postures, also known as asanas. Keeping your muscles and joints flexible yet strong is one of the many positive side effects of proper Yoga training.
Through proper breathing exercises the athlete is able to oxygenate blood and tissues more efficiently as she inhales, while releasing toxic gases upon exhaling. Overall stamina is improved helping to avoid early fatigue during intense activity. Yoga helps the process of getting energy to flow through the body more efficiently.
Breathing techniques also reduce stress levels by calming the mind and increasing brain alertness. You are required to focus on your breathing and movement of the diaphragm which is very meditative.
Yoga also helps with both balance and muscle response. Many postures require you to find balance to execute the pose, which in turn strengthens muscles and tendons. The more Yoga you practice the more you stimulate nerve impulses to muscle tissue and improve hand and foot to eye coordination.
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