More than 15 years ago I tried yoga for the first time. I realized it was something worth pursuing.  I did it as part of my activities off and on. About 8 years ago I had some back problems and realized the only activity I could do to get myself up again was yoga.

When yoga became a regular activity every week, I realized how critical it is as part of my lifestyle.  It helps me stay strong, balanced and focused on what is important in life.  The only question I have is, why did´nt I start sooner to practice yoga?

It has improved my life in many ways, it is at the core of my search for a balanced lifestyle.

I can recommend this to anyone that want´s to stay fit or lead a balanced lifestyle.  Any athlete that wants to improve himself, should practice yoga. it will enhance their abilities as an athlete.

Here are a few of my reasons for doing yoga:

1. Improving my strength

Consistent practice of the yoga poses or “asanas” has helped me build my core strength. It also improves my lean muscle mass. It uses muscles that I would not be exercising and would stay underutilized if not for yoga.  This has enhanced my core body stability and contained my back problem.  I had problems with my knee joints. It disappeared once I started practicising yoga on a regular basis.  My body is more in balance. The finer supportive muscles have gained strength and has reduced stress on larger muscles.  This has increased my overall functional strength.

2. A Better Balanced Body

Due to my activities in my early years as an athlete I have a flexible body.  My balance was fine, but after my back injury it went out the window.  After starting my regular yoga practice I have regained my balance. It has even improved beyond what it was.  This means that you will have better control over how you move your body. Leading to a better use of technique and form.  It does´t matter if it is the swim stroke, golf swing or how you run.  Yoga will make you better in all this.

3. Flexible body

As mentioned muscular and joint flexibility improved, which is important to the body´s functioning.  Enhancing your movements of your joint and muscle improves your range of motion. This should make you better in whatever sport you practice.  Your swing in golf will enjoy improved strength leading to more accuracy in your play.  You will have an increased range of motion. This in turn lets you have a more focused use of your muscles or group of muscles for that particular range of motion. The extra benefit less stress on one muscle and possible overuse injury.

4. Improving your Mind as an Athlete

We now have covered the physical benefits of yoga for any activity or athletic purpose. What is even more important is the benefits for your mind. It is a great way to strengthen your core, the stomach and finer muscle motions.  True, but more important is the end of a yoga class, the “savasana”, the meditative part of a yoga session. It is critical not to skip this part, I see so many people run for the door once the class finishes. Little do they know how important it is to finish with the “corpse pose” or savasana.  This is where you get your ultimate bliss from the whole class. It is when you are able to meditate for a short period of time.

The yoga routines are to prepare the mind and body to gain the most from the meditation that followed.  A routine designed to clean your mind, create focus and give you a state of serenity and quietness.  Savasana is thus the most important part of the yoga routine for the athlete. The difference between a good athlete and a superior athlete is their mind.  Visualizing success and changing your approach to training.

If there is any one thing you should do to improve yourself as an athlete. Do yoga. If there is any one thing you should do if you are trying to start your path towards balanced lifestyle? Do yoga.  You will reap benefits both for your body and mind.