Yoga For Runners And It's Health Benefits

Runners have this tendency of being reluctant to do yoga as they feel that yoga demands greater flexibility. This fear arises when they see images of advanced yoga asanas which in reality is not a cup of tea for everyone. But it not true as yoga is suitable for any body shape and type. On the contrary, runners can gain a lot more from yoga by adding it to their fitness routine. Yoga on a physical level helps in restoring the symmetry and balance to the body which compliments running perfectly.

Yoga gradually increases the flexibility which can prove to an asset for a runner. This increased flexibility alleviates several nagging pains and aches. Yoga provides assistance in shaping and lean and long muscles of the legs which provide a hassle-free range of motion. Yoga provides balance to the muscles since running requires greater use of lower body muscles in comparison to upper body muscles thus balancing the stress on the muscles is necessary for a runner. Breathing is of great importance for the runners thus yoga is beneficial for improving the breathing patterns for all phases of running. Rather than other exercises that deplete the body of its energy yoga works the other way round by creating more energy since yoga oxygenates the blood. Given below are some of the yoga asanas that would be of great help to the runners.

Yoga provides natural benefits to the runners but besides yoga, proper diet and nutrition are also very important for a runner. A healthy and balanced diet is important for the runner as it helps him/her in attaining peak performance. A balanced and healthy diet of a runner must be inclusive of carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, proteins, and fats. For a runner, 60 percent of the diet must comprise of carbohydrates as they are a rich source of energy. Steamed rice, starchy vegetables, whole bread, fruits, and potato provide a great source of carbohydrate for the runners. Lack of protein in the diet of the runner can be detrimental as protein help in tissue damage repairing.

Protein sources which have very low fat can be included in the diet like fish, lean meats, and beans. Omega-3 fatty acids play a vital role in the diet of the runner. For runner consuming 3,000 mg of omega-3 fat is necessary. Vitamin A, C, and E are of great help to the runners as while running the body of the runner produces free radicals that can damage the cells of the muscles. These vitamins help in neutralizing the free radicals produced. Incorporating food products rich in calcium like low-fat dairy product prevents them from suffering from a stress fracture. Yoga in combination with a healthy diet can work wonders for the runners.