1. Balance the Power
Power Yoga refers to a variety of American yoga teachings that focus on the physical discipline of the yoga postures, or asana. As such, it is a valuable adjunct to athletic training or any conditioning or fitness programs. One result of Power Yoga practice is increased strength in all of the muscle groups, including core strength. Athletes often train for a specific task, such as cycling or running, making their bodies strong in some areas but weak in others. This imbalance increases the risk of injuries. There are yoga poses to target every muscle group, so a regular yoga practice balances strength and muscle tone across the body.
2. Stretch the Limits
When athletes train hard for a specific sports activity, they often develop muscle bulk and strength at the expense of flexibility. Tight muscles and connective tissues are more vulnerable to injury, and a lack of flexibility can limit the athlete's ability to move quickly and fluidly. Power Yoga strengthens every muscle group while stretching all of the muscles to promote flexible muscles, joints, tendons and ligaments.
3. Go with the Flow
Yoga poses are either held for seconds or minutes at a time, or they flow into one another in specifically designed sequences. Holding position or moving while slowing from pose to pose builds endurance in the muscles. Careful attention to breathing is also an important part of yoga, and learning how to use the breath in conjunction with moving the body helps athletes make the most of their lung capacities while participating in sports. Furthermore, yoga emphasizes correct alignment of the body while holding the poses, and this develops a keen sense of balance that can help the athlete move quickly and easily during play.
4. Win the Mental Game
Yoga is excellent for mental focus and stress management. The yoga postures were originally intended to condition both body and mind for meditation. By focusing the mind on the proper alignment of the body and the movement of the breath, yoga students learn to let go of distractions and quiet the mind. This can reduce the anxiety and stress of competition, so that the athletes can focus on performing their sport to their full potential.
5. Make a Speedy Recovery
Yoga makes another contribution to athletic training in recovery and healing from injuries or physical stress. Yoga stimulates blood flow through all your organs and tissues and stimulates the organs of the endocrine system. This helps the body remove waste products and toxins that accumulate in tissues and boosts the effectiveness of the immune system. The body is able to recover faster from workouts and competition and heals more quickly when injured.
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