Looking to break your running PB? Here’s a hot tip for you – turn to yoga!
Find out how yoga can be a tremendous counterbalance to your running journey, with 5 recommended poses to achieve this.
As told by yoga instructor at Freedom Yoga, Shao Jie!
Hello, my name is Shao Jie, and I am currently a yoga instructor at Freedom Yoga. Running is a big part of my life.
I started off as a sprinter in my school days, lacing up my track spikes to go as fast as possible. Running has now become a habit for me and I make time to pound the pavement or trails no matter how busy I am.
My yoga journey started out as an avenue to counterbalance my running.
The intention was to help bring balance back into my body after all the impact and use.
It has since evolved into something that has gifted me a better understanding of my body, of movement and mobility, which has, in turn, improved my running journey tremendously.
Whether you are a casual weekend runner or a high mileage enthusiast, these are 5 yoga poses that I’d recommend:
1. Start in a high kneeling position, then straight out the left leg
2. Place your palms on either side of your body to support you
3. Lean forward and crawl your fingers forward to deepen the stretch
4. Repeat on other side
Point to note:
Keep your back straight - use blocks for support if necessary
1. Start in a high kneeling position, then place both palms on the inside of your left foot
2. Wiggle your left foot outside the left palm, keep the palms shoulder-width distance apart
3. Wiggle your right foot further back to deepen the stretch in the back hip
4. To deepen - come down onto your forearms
Point to note:
Keep your spine straight as much as possible
1. Start in a high kneeling position, then place your right palm on the mat in line with your left foot
2. Lift the right foot off the mat and reach your left hand back to grab the ankle. Alternatively, use a yoga strap to loop around your ankle to help you catch your foot.
3. Pull the right heel to your backside and twist to the left
4. Repeat on the other side
Point to note:
If your heel does not touch your backside, shift your hips further back
1. Place the left shin on the front of the mat with the knees flexed, straighten out the right leg
2. Slowly lower your body forward
Point to note:
Keep your hips level. Place a block underneath your left hip if it is too far from the ground.
1. Start in a seated position with both legs extended straight in front
2. Bend both knees slightly and wrap your arms underneath the knees to hug yourself. Alternatively, loop a yoga strap around the soles of your feet.
3. Curl the spine up and tuck your chin into your chest
4. Straighten your knees to deepen
Point to note:
Maintain the curling of your spine in this pose