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Home » Fitness » Yoga was the missing link in my fitness routine – Omaha World-Herald (blog)

Ive always admired the self-proclaimed yogis of the world. The people you see hauling their yoga mats around, eagerly awaiting what contorting surprises their instructor has in store.

While I revere these individuals for their skill and passion, I constantly told myself yoga was not for me. My focus was on building muscle. Stretching while chanting Namaste would not help with that. It wasnt until one of my personal training clients joined a yoga studio and shared her experiences with me that I decided to give it another chance.

I recently started attending yoga classes once a week. Its only been a few weeks now, but I already feel as though yoga was the missing link in my exercise routine.

Since participating in yoga classes, Ive noticed a significant increase in my flexibility. I have very tight hip flexors, which often cause discomfort and limit my range of motion in some exercises. However, the stretches performed in yoga class loosened my hip flexors substantially. This increased flexibility improved my lifting technique. I am now able to get lower when I squat, which helps activate my glutes.

Yoga has also increased my overall strength. In class, we perform many poses and isometric holds that challenge both core and muscular strength. Holding these poses was extremely difficult for me at first, but now they feel easier each time I do them. The strength I built from practicing yoga also translated into the weight room my bench press weight has increased by about 10 pounds.

My recovery time is shorter since beginning yoga. After a heavy lifting day, it is not uncommon for me to be sore and ache for a few days. Yoga helps alleviate some of my soreness so that my muscles can recover quickly, and I can continue to train.

Aside from all of the physical benefits of yoga, I experienced positive improvements in my mental health as well. We perform several minutes of meditation at the beginning and end of each class. I use this time to quiet my thoughts and unwind. I apply the meditative practices from yoga class throughout my work day and before bed to help decrease tension and stress.

While Im not able to attend yoga classes as often as I would like, the improvements its made in my life thus far are noteworthy. I encourage anyone considering trying yoga to give it a shot.

You dont have to be super flexible, skilled or have previous experience. All you have to do is come with an open mind and be prepared to challenge your body.

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Yoga was the missing link in my fitness routine - Omaha World-Herald (blog)

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Home » Fitness » Yoga was the missing link in my fitness routine – Omaha World-Herald (blog)