Run to your yoga mat!

Runners typically experience tightening and shortening of muscles, muscle

imbalances from a lot of pounding. Muscle rigidity occurs from training in a

repetitive manner, the muscles repeating the same movements over and over

again, tightening and making them hard and inflexible.

Muscles are the body’s natural shock absorbers; they should be supple, malleable, soft and pliable.

Yoga has the unique ability to bring the focus inwards, enabling you to bring

your attention to the movement of your body, what feels right, what feels good.

Just like running, yoga is another great activity practised outdoors! Picture taken at Castle Ashby, 2025.

Yoga is an excellent discipline for a runner's training regime; as it improves

balance, strength and increases the range of motion throughout the body. The

asanas (postures) move the body with gravity whilst using your breath to result

in an integration of body, mind and breath.

When we breathe fully and deeply, we activate the Para sympathetic nervous system, not only quietening the mind but allowing the muscles and fascia of the body to relax, to lengthen and stretch. Luxuriating in these longer holds can really help reduce the build-up of lactic acid and relax those hard-working muscles.

Yoga is the perfect complementary practice to a runners training program.