Friday, June 14, 2013

Fitness Friday: Yoga & Running

Athleta has been hosting a yoga pose-a-day contest on Instagram that couldn't have come at a better time. I mentioned that I had to re-focus after a recent injury, and yoga has been a source of inspiration.

So in addition to using the Yoga for Runners app that I love, I have been trying to replicate Athleta's Insta-Pose of the Day. From the different poses, I have learned a lot about myself.

I'm pretty good a planks. I used to do them after every run. I've even done a monthly plank challenge. Since they're so good for the core, I should probably do them more often. I wish I knew why I lose interest.


My hamstrings and quads are VERY tight, which of course makes me realize that they are the root of all my running injuries. Then after seeing the pictures, I noticed my poor stretching form. So not only do I not stretch enough, but when I do it's relatively ineffective. Ugh!


Some poses are brand new to me and I've been having fun experimenting. Even though I've never heard of them and need assistance getting my hands, feet, body in the right position, I'm happy that I'm trying and learning more each time.


Athleta's contest has inspired me to learn more about yoga. Since I'm new to it, I figured I'd better start with the basics. I found a great source of basic poses on the Fitness Magazine website, so I have somewhere to start.

Do you yoga? What is your favorite pose?



18 comments:

  1. I love yoga. I love the way it makes me feel. I just wish I had the strength to do it on my own - when I do it at home, I think about the 6,000,000 things I could be doing. I'm only ever able to do it when I go to a class. I need to make it more of a priority!

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  2. I just started doing yoga about a month ago after I strained my quad. I have seen improvement in my stiff hammies and hips. I think I may be hooked! Great job with your poses. I am going to have to check out that app.

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  3. I need to start doing Yoga!! I am always so tight!

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  4. Great challenge - it's such a different take to get a picture of yourself doing a pose. You can really see how you're doing.

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  5. I really need to give Yoga a try, so many runners are using it and obviously it's helpful! I have done Pilates in the past, and I remember even that helped strengthen my core more:) Great job!

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  6. I don't yoga, but I need to. I am a horrible stretcher and I know that yoga would do me a world of good. I have no excuses.

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  7. I swear yoga has helped so much - especially to help keep my ITB in check!

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  8. I yoga off and on! My sports doc told me to avoid many of my favorite poses right now due to my hamstring so I have stayed away and just doing a lot of planking at home!

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  9. ooh I love yoga, yoga and running are my friend.
    I have a lot of fav poses. I love warrior, and right angle, but I also love tree pose.

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  10. I def. want to do more yoga and do it more often... i love the warrior pose and all it's small variations.

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  11. LOVE yoga!!! If you want more at home inspiration try yogadownload.com. They have free sessions and some are geared for runners.

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  12. Trying to get into yoga myself! It's tough with a really bad knee that won't bend very well! I can run marathons but I can't pedal a bike or do a lot of bending! I REALLY need the stretching AND relaxation aspects of yoga!

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  13. I love yoga and practiced while I wasn't running and while I was pregnant with my son. I was just talking to a friend about how I want to start up again and do it while I train for my first half. I'll have to look for this app you speak of!

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  14. Thanks for the information on the Athleta Instagram Yoga challenge. I am going to have to check that out. I lose interest in planks too. I will get all gung ho for awhile and then nothing for months.

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  15. For a long time I did yoga weekly and joined monthly challenges but for some reason (probably time) I have stopped. You've inspired me to get back at it!


    Can I stil join Athleta's challenge? Or maybe I'll try the app you mentioned. Thanks Amy!

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  16. You are doing so great with the Athleta challenge! I love seeing your poses. I've become a wee bit addicted to the Instagram yoga challenges. I really love practicing yoga but even though I practice regularly, my hamstrings are still super tight!

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  17. I found that when I was doing yoga regularly that i had less injuries. Great post!

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