Yoga for Sports Performance
Yoga has been utilized to achieve the mind-body connection, bring calmness and strengthen self-discipline and vitality. Thus the benefits of yoga can be applied to a variety of disciplines including professional sporting athletes as well. Some of the direct positive effects of Yoga on performance of athletes are discussed herein.
In order to play a sport , it is also necessary that the athlete is able to focus and concentrate with confidence on the task at hand without distraction or timidity. Sporting skills requires deep focus and the ability to handle distractions and adverse conditions.
The use of pranayama and breathing techniques prescribed in Yoga enables a person to focus on breath and helps to calm the mind and cultivate concentration ability. Internal cleansing methods prescribed in Hatha Yoga are beneficial for athletes to improve purity of body.
Holding a posture with steadiness and comfort requires that a person is able to focus their mind for an extended period of time. This helps for developing strength and concentration in mind / body and is beneficial to playing sports at highly competitive levels. Asanas also help to create harmony and balance between the mind and body and help to achieve a healthy body and stable mind.
Yoga helps to reduce sports injuries. It improves flexibility and strengthening of the muscles around the joints. Runners, gymnasts, and other endurance athletes that put a lot of strain on their joints can decrease their risk of injury by adding yoga to their workout plan.
Yoga also helps in the recovery process after a challenging workout. The Pigeon pose can help runners and endurance athletes who exert strain to the hip flexor muscles. Surya namaskar movements can help strengthen the muscles and joints that add power to your workouts and can aid in the reduction of additional strain.
Yoga can help improve form and posture and help the body naturally flush out lactic acid for a faster recovery time during resistance and weight training.
Yoga exercises such as yogic breathing and meditation can help calm the mind and maintain focus during times of high competition. Distance runners will use yogic breathing practises to help keep their heart rate low when running long distances or on difficult terrains.
The benefits of Yoga is evident and well proven and nowadays professional athletes are also introducing Yoga into their training routines to improve health and vitality of the body, strengthen muscles and organs and to cultivate self confidence and self-belief.