Yoga is a valuable form of exercise for runners to add to their routines. It stretches and loosens your muscles, helping you to avoid pain and injury. While you may choose to take a yoga class, you can also add yoga poses to your warm-up and cool-down routines to take advantage of their benefits.
Sew a Yoga Mat Bag
Sewing a bag for your yoga mat will keep the mat clean and protected between your yoga classes. This bag is simple in design, with a tube-like bag for the mat itself, a drawstring to keep the bag closed and a strap to carry your bag. Personalize your bag with pretty fabric or lace or keep it simple and plain. Whatever you decide to do, you'll be glad to have this handy tote while you're on the run.
Do the Yoga Child Pose
In yoga, the Child Pose is a resting pose that you can assume after any pose, but it's mainly used to stretch out the spine after bending it backwards. It also stretches the hips, thighs and ankles, relieves stress and relaxes the brain.
Modify Wii Fit Yoga Poses
Nintendo's Wii Fit is an electronic trainer and motivator. (What could be more motivating than stepping on a talking scale?) But the yoga poses demonstrated by the electronic trainer do not provide modifications or safety tips if you can't get into the full expression of each pose. Here are a few tips to help you protect yourself and still get a workout with your Wii Fit.
Execute the Fish Pose in Yoga
The fish pose in yoga is not a beginning posture. However, it can be altered somewhat so that it’s more doable and less strenuous. As always, when doing yoga, approach each move with caution, moving slowly and gently. Never overextend yourself, especially if you’re unaware of your limitations. If you experience discomfort—you’ll learn, in time, to distinguish between “good” pain and something that is definitely not good—back off. Follow these steps to execute the fish pose.