MIND & BODY The Balanced
LIFE W
Combining Yoga & Pilates with Running
< BY GLORIA ATKINSON >
e were all born with the natural inclination to run. We run as children, but at some point in our lives, running takes on a new purpose. For many of us, it is an activity we use to maintain our health and stay in shape. As we age there is increased impor-
tance in good form and posture while running. Improper running form is a fast track to injury. Without the proper amount of core strength and muscle development running can cause a significant amount of stress on your joints. Yoga and pilates are both great activities to increase your core strength
and create musculoskeletal balance which relieves pressure from your joints, improves your balance and reduces your overall risk of injury. If you run, you may have heard non-running yogis say it will hinder your
yoga practice. If you run moderately and with proper body alignment, running can benefit your yoga just as much as yoga can benefit your running.
What YOGA brings to
running and running sports Yoga adds resiliency and suppleness to the muscles, feet and spine. It keeps
the body flexible so it can act like a spring. Yoga also elongates the hamstrings and hip flexors- the areas that running tends to tighten- this will allow runners to lengthen their stride. Pranayama (breathing) helps improve elasticity of the lungs and improve lung function. It can also improve your running on both a physiological and psychological level.
What running brings to yoga/pilates Running brings strength and endurance to your yoga and pilates practice.
Strength and flexibility are two sides of one coin. One complements the other. In particular moderate running helps to strengthen the feet and ankles, which contributes to steadiness in balancing and standing postures. Running also builds aerobic fitness, which can help yogis endure longer in standing postures and flowing sequences. Runners may want to try the following yoga and pilates poses/exercises to improve your core and balance your body after a running workout.
12 CLUBLIFE FALL 2012
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