Growing up as an athlete I have always had some understanding of the mind-body connection. However, it wasn’t until I found yoga that I realized how important this practice is for an athlete. An athlete puts an amazing amount of stress on their body both physically and mentally. Just like a thoroughbred horse or high-end luxury imported automobile needs care, maintenance and constant attention to perform at the highest level, so does an athlete's body.

 Athletes can benefit from adopting a yoga practice into their training cycle as a cross-training tool for achieving optimal performance levels. Not only can a yoga practice improve flexibility, it can also enhance an athlete’s form, efficiency, and power. Furthermore, introducing mindfulness and meditation can mentally train the athlete to respond with clarity and calmness in the most intense situations.

Yoga as a cross-training tool can provide athletes with:

• Improves balance, strength and endurance

• Stabilizes and strengthens the core body

• Corrects imbalances developed from repetitive actions or movements

• Increases the ability of mental focus and concentration

• Creates a greater sense of spatial awareness

Interested in bringing yoga to your team?