“Yoga’s not just about stretching yourself out like a sweater,” says Emilie Smith, creator of Yoga for Athletes, which is offered at Equinox and Reebok Sports Club. “Yoga can improve running form, increase range of motion, and help prevent injuries. In the end, you’ll perform more efficiently,” she explains. Smith knows this first hand. She came to yoga as a runner, and developed her method to help athletic types just like her do yoga in a way that would complement and boost their training. We asked her to identify the three most common issues that runners face—and how yoga can help. In this three-part series, she’ll take you through a three-move yoga sequence to help address each one. First up: Learn three easy moves to help tight, aching hamstrings…
- Active Downward Dog This first pose is a warm-up, which is really important before you move into poses you’ll hold for a long time. Start on your hands and knees with your hands slightly in front of your shoulders and knees in line with your hips. Plant your palms with your fingers spread, lift your knees, and push your heels towards the floor with your tailbone reaching towards the ceiling. Stay active in the pose for five to ten breaths by pedaling your feet from side to side, alternately lifting each leg back behind you, and moving your hips from side to side. There’s more! Find the next two yoga moves at Well+GoodNYC’s Yoga For Runners: 3 Poses To Help Your Hamstrings.
