Frequently Asked Questions
Have you heard about yoga? Thought yoga might be helpful for your running? Not sure where to start?
What is Yoga?
Yoga is a physical, mental and spiritual discipline which originated in India. Yoga has been around for approximately 5,000 years. It remains extremely relevant in today’s western culture and can be practiced at all stages of life. The Sanskrit word yoga means ‘to yoke’ or ‘to unite’.
Yoga is totally inclusive and beneficial for all runners and complements any belief system or faith. There are many types of yoga. I teach Hatha yoga.
Yoga is a physical, mental and spiritual discipline which originated in India. Yoga has been around for approximately 5,000 years. It remains extremely relevant in today’s western culture and can be practiced at all stages of life. The Sanskrit word yoga means ‘to yoke’ or ‘to unite’.
Yoga is totally inclusive and beneficial for all runners and complements any belief system or faith. There are many types of yoga. I teach Hatha yoga.
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What is the best way to fit yoga into my weekly running schedule?
Yoga can be incorporated at a number of different points in your weekly training schedule depending on what you want to get from your yoga practice. Typical examples include:
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Will I get injured doing yoga?
There have been some media reports about the risks of getting injured from doing yoga. In reality the risk of injury is low, provided that you follow these guidelines:
There have been some media reports about the risks of getting injured from doing yoga. In reality the risk of injury is low, provided that you follow these guidelines:
- Always work within your own limits. If something doesn't feel right then ease out of the pose.
- Your breath provides a great indication of the amount of effort you are putting in to your yoga practice (just as in running). If you find that your breath is ragged or strained, you should ease back until you feel comfortable.
- Follow the instructions that the teacher gives you, especially if they offer alternatives to a pose.
- If you are a beginner or trying something for the first time, ease into it gently.
I've heard about lots of different types of yoga. How can I work out which type of yoga is best for me?
You have probably come across terms such as Iyengar, Ashtanga and Bikram, just to name a few. All these activities are described by the generic term “yoga” and yet the practices themselves can be quite different. You can find more out information by taking the Yoga for Trail Runners Quiz.
Also, if you try a yoga class and it doesn't work for you, then be prepared to give a different class a go. Keep looking until you find one suits you.
You have probably come across terms such as Iyengar, Ashtanga and Bikram, just to name a few. All these activities are described by the generic term “yoga” and yet the practices themselves can be quite different. You can find more out information by taking the Yoga for Trail Runners Quiz.
Also, if you try a yoga class and it doesn't work for you, then be prepared to give a different class a go. Keep looking until you find one suits you.
How often should I do yoga?
In general, it is a case of the more yoga the better, however this needs to fit in with the time constraints of your running schedule. If you do one full yoga class a week then you could incorporate pre- or post-run yoga alongside some of your regular runs. Doing yoga first thing in the morning works well and helps set you up for the day. If you can establish your own personal yoga practice which builds on what you do in a yoga class then that will increase the benefits to your running.
In general, it is a case of the more yoga the better, however this needs to fit in with the time constraints of your running schedule. If you do one full yoga class a week then you could incorporate pre- or post-run yoga alongside some of your regular runs. Doing yoga first thing in the morning works well and helps set you up for the day. If you can establish your own personal yoga practice which builds on what you do in a yoga class then that will increase the benefits to your running.
Can I do yoga outside?
Doing yoga outside is a great idea, especially before or after a run. You just need to find a flat, dry spot of ground and you might want to take your shoes off.
Doing yoga outside is a great idea, especially before or after a run. You just need to find a flat, dry spot of ground and you might want to take your shoes off.
Do I need any special equipment for yoga?
Just as your running shoes are the most important piece of running equipment, the most basic piece of yoga equipment is your mat.
I have some spare mats for you to use at RunYoga Classes. If you would like to buy a yoga mat then there are lots of alternatives to chose from at a range of different prices. If you want to do more yoga practice, you might also like to get some extra equipment.
Just as your running shoes are the most important piece of running equipment, the most basic piece of yoga equipment is your mat.
I have some spare mats for you to use at RunYoga Classes. If you would like to buy a yoga mat then there are lots of alternatives to chose from at a range of different prices. If you want to do more yoga practice, you might also like to get some extra equipment.
