Vinyasaīy comparison vinyasa is much faster moving with a continuous 'flow' from one posture to the next. Hathaįor beginners, hatha classes can be the best option as they involve slower movements and less complex poses. Today the most popular types of yoga include hatha, vinyasa flow, iyengar, ashtanga, bikram (hot yoga), yin and restorative but there are many other variations. Regular yoga practice will improve focus, breathing, mental clarity, down regulate a heightened nervous system, allow you to become more present and increase body awareness,' she says. 'Yoga is a really beneficial practice for runners in more ways than one.
But yoga can also help to improve posture, mobility, strength, alignment and stability. Runners are often drawn to yoga to improve flexibility and reduce tightness in the hips and hamstrings, says Cat Merrick of Breathe Dance and Yoga. The physical postures of yoga, known as asana, can be used to support different areas of running. The ancient form of exercise incorporates stretching, meditative breathing and mindfulness which help to rebalance and restore the body and mind.įinding the right style of yoga as a runner will depend on what you want to achieve, whether its flexibility, restoration, strength or mindfulness. Over its 5,000 year history, yoga has morphed into many different versions, each becoming trendy during various moments in time.