Coming Around to Yoga

Countless magazines (Bicycling, Runner's World, Triathlete) have touted the value of yoga for athletes.  As a Physical Therapist, I have known the importance of flexibility for over a decade.  However, personally, I have ignored yoga and its benefits.  This was true until about a year ago.  I finally stumbled onto the yoga DVD for endurance athletes.  My wife had been involved in yoga classes and even had a few DVD's at home that I had seen, but the workouts seemed too slow and unchallenging for me.  She swore that yoga improved her well being and flexibility, but I just found it boring.

I will admit that like my patients, I tend to neglect areas of my body until there is a small nagging injury that makes me focus on stretching.  Over the years, I have encountered plantar fasciitis, ilio-tibial band syndrome, and quadriceps/ hip flexor tightness that resulted in "squeaky" knees when climbing stairs at home.  So, I will be honest, when I truly adhere to my yoga practice (which is greater at times than others) I feel great.  My runs, bikes, swims, and weight workouts feel better.  I am more "in tune" with my body, better balanced, and, not to mention, injury free.  The best thing about this DVD is its interactive menu.  It allows you to design a series and customize your routine.  This enables me to get a yoga session in if I only have 10-20 minutes.

So, learn from my mistakes.  No matter how tough or fit you are-regardless of how much you can bench or squat, don't neglect your flexibility.  Your body will thank you later.