More people than ever before are taking up yoga as awareness over its numerous benefits grows. Just a few of the things it does is improve strength and flexibility, increase body awareness and focus, and enhance over-all health.
While yoga is commonly perceived as a more relaxing, low-intensity workout, it still requires strong, supple muscles to perform poses correctly and prevent injury. Doing a couple of sessions of strength training alongside your yoga will help to prevent muscle loss, support your joints and help you in tougher poses.
Wrist strength
Wrist injuries can be common in those who practice yoga as many poses put pressure on the wrists as they are extended– for example, the plank pose. If the wrists are not strong or flexible enough, impingement might occur (when then arm bone hits the wrist bone), aggravating the ligaments and tendons. There are a number of exercises you can do to build the muscle around this crucial joint and prevent injury.
Upper body strength
Many yoga poses require great upper body strength and flexibility, especially in the shoulders and arms. Getting yourself into, and holding, more advanced poses for a long period of time is much easier when the muscles are strong and developed. A strong upper body will allow you to lift-off certain poses with power and balance.
Leg strength
Multiple yoga poses, particularly standing poses like Chair and Half-Moon, require strong legs to carry you through. While flexibility will enable you to get yourself into the correct position, without adequate strength you’ll find yourself ‘sinking into’ the pose and potentially damaging your feet, knees, lower back or hips.
Visit your local local David Lloyd Club to train for your next yoga class.
Comments by Lauren