Three ways that my yoga practice supports my cross-training, beyond flexibility and range of motion.
We all come to yoga for many different reasons. There is also no denying that our yoga practice, especially when done with dedication and consistency, has a way of influencing and enhancing every aspect of our lives. And just to be clear here, when I say practice, this includes but also goes beyond the asana, or the postures. And when I say enhancing, this includes but also goes beyond the physical.
Here are a few ways that my yoga practice supports my cross-training, beyond flexibility and range of motion:
Breath awareness & better breathing mechanics.
One of the many gifts that yoga has given me is a deepened connection to my breath.
In yoga, the breath is called “prana,” which is a Sanskrit word that means “life-force energy.” The breath carries and sustains our current of life, like nourishment on the most cellular level helping to fuel our hard-working muscles, tissues, & organs (like our brains).
But, both traditional practices and modern research agree that the breath can also offer so much more, like: an “anchor” to cultivate focus & present-moment awareness, a bridge to connect brain and body, and a tool for self-regulation.
Enhanced proprioception & interoception.
Proprioception and interoception — two big words for body awareness and internal awareness/regulation.
In yoga, we are asked to pay attention to how we move into and out of the poses as well as what it feels like to stay and breathe. By paying attention, we are, once again, connecting brain to body. And with practice, over time, we also strengthen those proprioceptive and interoceptive pathways.
Not only does this support more efficient (and arguably more fluid and effortless) movement, but I also find that it’s helped to strengthen my ability to push myself without going too far past my edge (which is crucial for both the gains and for effective recovery).
Tools & techniques for better recovery.
It’s through intentional recovery that the gains from training have space to land. It’s also helpful to think of recovery as the preparation for your next training session.
And yoga offers us SO many tools (including & beyond the asana) that can support and enhance our ability to downshift, relax, regulate, restore, and replenish.
If you’re looking to start training in or around Rincón, check out the Rincón Fitness Center / Cross Fit Rincón. It’s one of the best gyms I’ve ever been a part of — knowledgeable coaches, a welcoming community, and a safe, supportive place for personal growth.
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