Yoga for Athletes

I taught the Yoga for Athletes class tonight at The Fitness Factor and I wanted to take a moment to post tonight's class routine for those of you who would like to practice at home. Please keep in mind that these poses should be done mindfully, paying close attention to your body and what feels good for you at the moment you are in the pose. 

Centering

Begin by sitting in a comfortable sitting position (easy sitting or hero's pose) and focus on your breath. Inhaling through your nose and exhaling through your nose. Each inhale fills your belly, lungs and chest and each exhale grows longer as your body relaxes.

Warm Up

Seated body circles

Seated forward fold

Downward dog

Sun salutation A (repeat 3 times)

Sun salutation B (repeat 2 times)

Standing Series

Warrior II

Reverse warrior

Side angle

Triangle

Pyramid

Sun salutation A and then repeat standing to other side

Balance Series

Warrior III

Modified utthita hasta padangushtasana

Dancer

Cool Down

Seated IT band twist

Supine hamstring stretch

Yogi ball

Wrist/ankle rolls

Savasana

If you have questions on any of these poses, please e-mail janette.yoga@gmail.com. I would be happy to provide you with additional information or answer any questions you have.  A good reference book for more information on sport specific yoga is The Athletes Guide to Yoga by Sage Rountree. It contains pictures of poses as well as information on how to get into them and modify them to fit your body and your sport depending on what training cycle you are in.

**Disclaimer**

Please remember, I am happy to provide you with these tools, but I cannot be held responsible for your personal practice while not under my supervision. I encourage you to attend classes with certified professionals and to always seek out answers regarding your bodies alignment, feelings and any other questions you may have regarding your comfort within a pose.