Yoga

Athletes can choose from a wide range of modalities that enhance training and, more importantly, assist recovery. Choices vary from chiropractic adjustments and therapeutic massage to acupuncture, deep water running and yoga. As an athlete, I have used all of these and as a coach I advise my athletes to incorporate as many as possible into their recovery mode. As a therapist in rehab and physical therapy, I know they all work well to enhance recovery.

However, yoga has reached a whole new degree of popularity with athletes at all levels.
Professional baseball, basketball and, yes, even football teams have employed this ancient practice of physical repair. Hatha yoga is the most popular form and requires attention to balance, posture and alignment. Hatha yoga will help prevent injury, improve your breathing capacity and enhance your performance, whether it be day-to-day training or competition. Various stretches and poses will help to re-align the body's posture. Poor posture exerts undue strain on muscles, ligaments, tendons and bones, and that can lead to tears in opposing directions if not corrected, opening the door to injury.

Increased flexibility and mind-body relaxation are important components of Hatha yoga. One can often revert to mental skills acquired through the stillness required of various poses and stretches and apply those mental skills during a demanding training session or difficult competitive day.

I started practicing Hatha yoga in 1995, and I have found a whole new level of concentration, strength, power and flexibility from it. I have fine-tuned a program that I can perform daily to comply with my training program and my own personal requirements. I suggest attending a class offered by a qualified yoga instructor to begin your practice of Hatha yoga.

Once you feel comfortable with the various poses and your level of competence at the beginning level, you may wish to practice on your own daily. A number of qualified instructors have produced their own training videos—Rodney Yee and Patricia Walden are among the best. These videos are aimed at a variety of skill levels—from complete beginners to more advanced practitioners—and incorporate concepts of strength, energy, meditation and increased flexibility.

Many of my athletes have incorporated Hatha yoga into their training programs to enhance their levels of flexibility, relaxation and meditation. In each case, the athlete has experienced new growth in their training and competitive success.

If you want to reap the benefits of increased performance, enhanced body awareness and health, then I suggest you find a Hatha yoga class you can attend weekly. Believe me, you will become a more responsive individual, both physically and mentally.

Further information about JulieAnne's coaching services, contact julieanne@semicolon.org. or visit, Semicolon.org.