November 2nd, 2017

Our partners at CorePower Yoga want to help you be in prime condition for your Move challenge.  

Yoga for runners
2 MIN READ
Maybe you’re inspired to run to raise awareness for a cause that’s close to your heart, or perhaps it’s all about the personal challenge. Whatever your motivation for running a marathon is, one thing is certain— it’s a monumental, life-changing experience.  

Training for a marathon is intense, taking place over the course of months or even years. From building base mileage to speed work, you will constantly be challenging and pushing your body to its limits. 

It’s no surprise that many runners training for a marathon implement yoga into their cross training regimens. Yoga aids runners by increasing blood flow to overworked joints and muscles, promoting healing and making the most out of rest days. Yoga also stretches and strengthens the muscles of the legs, core and spine. Perhaps most surprisingly, yoga is a workout for the mind and helps instill a sense of determination that will definitely be crucial come race day. 

Here are a few of our favorite yoga poses for runners. Try focusing on these postures next time you’re in a yoga class, and feel free to ask your instructor for pointers to nail them. Good luck snagging a PR at your next race! 


Warrior III 

Benefits: 
·       Stretches hamstrings and thighs 
·       Expands chest and lungs 
·       Improves balance and posture 


Chair Pose 

Benefits: 
·       Strengthens thighs and ankles 
·       Stretches Achilles tendons and shins 


Crescent Lunge Twist 

Benefits: 
·       Stretches the legs and hips 
·       Opens the chest, shoulders and arms 
·       Improves balance and energy 
·       Detoxes internal organs 


Pyramid Pose 

Benefits: 
·       Strengthens and stretches hamstrings and shoulders 
·       Builds balance and coordination 
·       Therapeutic for flat feet 


Forward Fold 

Benefits: 
·       Stretches hamstrings, calves and hips 
·       Strengthens thighs and knees 


Squat & Curl 

Benefits: 
·       Opens up vertebrae 
·       Flushes out front of torso 


High Plank 

Benefits: 
·       Improves core strength 
·       Strengthens the arms and spine 


Supine Figure Four 

Benefits: 
·       Stretches the hamstrings and quadriceps 
·       Opens the hips 


Half Splits 

Benefits: 
·       Stretches the hips, hamstrings, calves and low back 
·       Strengthens the hamstrings