Yoga Is a Great Cross-Training Option for Athletes

In my coaching, I have seen many instances where athletes improve their "game" as well as prevent sciatica and other problems that occur when certain muscles are over-used.

For instance runners get tight hamstrings which can cause sciatic pain. Simply practicing the Yoga Pose "Sleeping Pigeon" before and after your run can mean the difference between pain and no pain.

Some of my clients have improved their golf game by doing a few simple hip openers. In fact, 2 of these guys came in with their wives just as company for the classes and ended up signing on for more because they were thrilled with the changes in their body and the improvements to their game!

I definitely recommend Yoga - not power yoga which is a Westernized hybrid, but traditional Yoga where the focus is on balancing your strength, using breath to improve circulation, concentration, and also meditation.

Kathi Casey of MA 1:22PM March 05, 2009