September is National Yoga Month, and marathon training begins for real in two weeks. Since yoga is a perfect complement to running, I’ve been researching yoga poses for runners to share (and do). Yoga is going to play an important role in keeping my soon-to-be-sore muscles loose.
I found a ton of great yoga poses for runners while I was doing my research. I’m going to start with the five ones I love for stretching my legs. As a bonus, these can all be done in a parking lot after a run. I like to incorporate them into my Sunday afternoon recovery flow, which usually follows a serious foam rolling session.
Warrior I
The best part of this pose for me is how it not only stretches but strengthens my legs, ankles, and back. I like to think of energy shooting out from my fingertips to the ceiling. And yes, I’m doing this pose after a WOD.
Warrior II
In Warrior II, I’m not just stretching and strengthening my legs. I’m also strengthening my shoulders and arms. A lot of runners focus on the running but don’t work on their upper body strength and mobility.
Triangle
Triangle is great for stretching your hips and groin muscles. I also feel it in my poor tight hamstrings. Runner problems, right?
Chair
While chair isn’t really a stretch, it’s still one of those great yoga poses for runners because it strengthens your quads. I kind of love how the light is providing a straight line from my wrists and down my spine in this picture.
Wide Leg Forward Fold
This pose is heaven. Wide Leg Forward Fold gets deep into your inner and back legs. And because you’re closer to the ground, you feel extra-flexible.
Fellow runners, what are your favorite yoga poses? Yogis, what would you recommend?