And I mean that in a good way. As I mentioned in a previous post I was attending a Yoga for Runners yoga session this past weekend, with proceeds going in part to ONERUN in support of breast cancer awareness and research.
I had never been to a yoga class before this one, but had done some basic poses on my Wii Fit, and also participated in an outdoor Yoga demonstration, and thought both of those experiences were "nice".
And they were, but I can't say they were extremely effective for me personally.
Yoga for Runner's on the other hand was the opposite - not easy (some of the poses were downright tough!), but I definitely feel it was effective. With the class being targeted specifically to runners and the different issues we face, I felt afterward that all the right body parts had been stretched. Some of the poses in addition to stretching, focused on strengthening, which I assume over a period of time could be really beneficial. I had a long run the following day and for the first time in a long time it felt...not easy...but not as laboured as it normally does.
I also felt comforted that Christine (the creator/instructor and a long-time runner herself) knew her stuff. Throughout the class I often heard references to the IT band, glutes, hamstrings and various other "running parts".
One more thing I liked, is that there were "adjusters", who would come around and correct your form if necessary. This could be opted out of, but I personally was happy to have the extra assistance available.
The only unfortunate part (for me) is that this was a special session in my city and the classes are normally held in Toronto (good for you GTA residents though!). If I lived closer I would most definitely attend again, but for the time being I'm considering a DVD purchase.
You don't have to be a runner to take advantage of this, and there were actually some non-runners benefiting from it, but in the end, I think this yoga class was made for us. Afterward I felt like I feel after a good treatment from my massage therapist (which is a completely different experience, I just mean that I had that same general feeling of well-being and relaxation that I have after a good massage).
In the end, I felt like I had not only a good stretching session, but also a good workout, while at the same time supporting a good cause. I don't know when I'll have the chance to attend one of these classes again, but when I do I will jump at the opportunity!
Disclosure: I purchased this service independently and was not compensated by the provider financially or otherwise. All opinions expressed in this review are my own, and all reviews on this website are subject to the terms and conditions here.
I'm also curious to hear about other stretching and strengthening routines. Do you do Yoga? Get pulled apart by an RMT? Lift weights? Simple stretches before and after your workouts? Or something else entirely?
I look forward to hearing from you!
Daily Gratitudes:
1. Warm blankets.
2. Those of you who responded with suggestions to my vegetarian post - thank you!
3. Chocolate
4. Bananas. Truly, they feel like a superfood to me.
5. Heat.
I should see if there are any runner specific yoga classes around here. I know regular yoga helps, but I can't imagine how cool focusing on my runner problems would be.
ReplyDeleteI'd recommend you start with an easy jog for 5 mins then do some dynamic stretches, ie high knees, lunges, butt kicks etc.
ReplyDeletedo the static stretches at the end of your run and hold the stretch for up to 30 secs.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kju1-DGUro8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=loZkStrhjB0
To build core strength check out coach Jay Johnson's videos http://www.metacafe.com/watch/2982638/running_times_part_1/
P.s. check out more Coach Jay Johnson videos here
ReplyDeletehttp://www.metacafe.com/tags/jay%20johnson%20running/
Do they have a dvd online? I have been toying with adding yoga a few days a week. I know I need to be stretching a lot more!!
ReplyDeleteEven if a class isn't billed as running specific, a lot of more cardio focused classes and "power vinyasa" classes will work you out just as good as a runner-specific class. I've done both, and there is not a huge difference. It makes a huge impact on your run!
ReplyDeleteOh! You should also check out yogaglo.com. It's great for at-home practice.
ReplyDeleteTwice a day for 30 minutes a time, I do the stretches my chiro suggested for rehabbing my legs. It feels like a lot of time to stretch, which is probably why I never stretched a day in my before (who has the time??), but it is totally helping my issues and I DO watch an hour of tv a day, so it works out perfectly :-)
ReplyDeleteMy chiro and her massage therapist both told me that if I want to continue running, I really have to add yoga into my life...
I practice and teach yoga regularly for running and triathletes. It is an awesome part of a training program and great way to help reduce injuries in the high training season! Can't say enough about the benefits, physically and mentally!
ReplyDeleteTotally agree on the bananas!
ReplyDeleteI really like Pilates - it stretches you and it's great for the core!
ReplyDeletei've been doing a lot of yoga this month and i think it is helping my flexibility and strength.
ReplyDeletei go through phases with strength work at the gym (right now i'm not going...doing the yoga instead)
I do pretty intense 1-hour long Yoga sessions twice a week (usually). It has helped tremendously with keeping my IT bands loose, and strengthening my core, glutes and hammies. I definitely think it is a great addition to any runner's plan!
ReplyDeleteThanks for following! Love your blog.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a good class!
ReplyDeleteI do hot yoga 2-3 times a week. I'm close to a yoga place, so it's convenient for me. They do not have a yoga for runners class, but there are some instructors that run a more "athletic" class - so there is less emphasis on stretches for flexibility (though there definitely are some!) and more on strength, (I think). I believe...OSO yoga centre (Commissioners and Wonderland area) has yoga for runners classes.
ReplyDeleteHOT YOGA!! Love it! Have been going to various classes 2-3 times a week for the past month or so, and it's fantastic. The thing about yoga is, you can go as hard or as easy as you want (some classes, I need to take a break, or just do the "easier" version of the pose). I don't think it makes a difference to do a running-specific class, you just need to find a great teacher, and a good studio. (PS hot yoga's not for everyone due to the heat...)
ReplyDeleteThis class soundsfantastic!! Stretching is so important but we only do it we are sore or hurt!!
ReplyDeleteI have participated in Bikram yoga and loved that, but now I rely on the foam roller and "warming up"!
Wow, that class sounds wonderful! I could use something like that.
ReplyDeleteMeanwhile, reading your daily gratitudes (What a fabulous idea, BTW!) has me craving bananas and chocolate. Yum! =)
Awesome! Sounds like a great class!!! :0)
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you enjoyed it!
ReplyDeleteI've heard a ton about the power of the relationship between running and yoga ... but also that "regular" yoga isnt always the right fit and that runners need to do a specific yoga to complement running (and avoid injury). Sounds like you are on the right track ;)
ReplyDeleteI stretch every day, wheter I run or not, and use my foam roller, I always feel so much better after!
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI didn't know that there's a yoga exercise specifically designed for runners. It'll be great, especially for us who loves to run.
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