Yoga designed for athletes pays special attention to athletes’ needs, as sport training naturally creates physical and mental imbalances. Depending on the sport, an athlete is prone to becoming strong in one area and weak in others. There is a mobility capacity that is often imbalanced in athletes that can create severe injury. For example, an athlete may find certain movements to be very easy and others to be very tight, rigid, or difficult. Typically, athletes are one-dimensional and yoga and functional movement can diversify that in order to prevent injury.
A yoga practice will also encourage a different level of body awareness. Athletes are likely to push themselves physically, ignoring cues and signs of pain in the body. Yoga will encourage the athlete to listen to their body and note the difference between pain and discomfort. This will allow the athlete to prevent injury and possibly rehabilitate injury at a more appropriate pace. The yoga mat can offer a safe space for the athlete to remove their competitive nature and receive a much needed mental break from the pressures of the playing field.
Want to try out Yoga for Athletes?
Check out our on-demand classes by going to YAX Online, finding your sport, and filtering by Season (Pre-Season, In-Season, Post-Season, Off-Season). When you’re ready to try it out, you can sign up for a 7-day free trial!
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Here's a 4-minute video clip from the 19-minute section about the Science of Stretching from the Yoga Coaching Course!
Here's an 8-minute video about athletes from the Yoga Coaching Course!
Here's a 7-minute introduction video for the Yoga Coaching Course.
This course will give you a better understanding of the importance of yoga and how to apply it to the athletes you currently work with.
