Yoga Can Help Runners Get Faster

Although running and yoga seem like they are total opposites, they actually make a perfect complement to each other.

Running is a high-impact sport with each foot strike bringing about 3 to 4 times your body weight as force through the body. The benefit of high-impact activities is that they strengthen bones, tendons, ligaments, muscles and your heart. The negative is it can leave the body tight, sore, unbalanced and tired. Here is where yoga comes in!

Runners can use yoga to strengthen all major muscles of the body, working out running's muscular imbalances, which cause injuries. Yoga will increase flexibility, allowing runners to access full range of motion in their stride, which in turn can increase their speed. Yoga teaches the runner how to tune in to the body, listen to the breath and honor the body’s requests. The end result it that your body, mind and breath are all flowing together in harmony. This is where success is created.

If you bring your body into balance with yoga, you can enjoy running hard and long for years to come.

Check out Suzanne Chew’s Yoga/Run/Yoga at our Community Stress Free Living Event from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 28.  Complimentary Classes, Workshops and Lectures at Exodus in Ocean City.

Amy Godfrey is owner of , a fitness and wellness business designed to improve the lives of clients through education and prevention in an integrated, holistic environment.