"No pain, no gain!"
Seven –time Mr. Olympia Arnold Schwarzenegger said this phrase sometime during his career which went on to become the workout attitude defining statement of our times. It is crisp and apt, just the way a phrase should be. But is pain really that essential? What if one could work out a plan to minimize the pain and maximize the benefits of their workout? Does it sound too good to be true?
Surprisingly, it isn't. When most of us think of achieving a well-toned body, the first thing that comes to our mind is running. It is one of the most commonly practiced and inexpensive ways to get rid of those extra pounds. It also increases the stamina – a perfect win-win situation.
But tread with caution. Running is synonymous with injuries in the hip, thigh, knee, leg, ankle and foot regions. While most instructors recommend a bit of stretching before the sprint, just stretching is simply not good enough. As a runner one must learn to practice a couple of yoga postures through programs like the Sri Sri Yoga course to understand what postures can really help you push your limits. A couple of minutes spent reposing in these ancient yogic postures can help you go that extra mile when you hit the treadmill.
This custom-tailored yoga for runners will prepare your body for sprint with 10 simple postures :
1. Butterfly pose (Badhakonasana)
Badhakonasana is a good stretch for inner thighs, groin, hamstrings and knees. It also improves flexibility in the hip and groin region.
2. Sitting Half Spinal Twist (Ardha Matsyendrasana)
Ardha Matsyendrasana improves the elasticity of the spine and makes it suppler.
3. Standing Forward Bend (Hastapadasana)
Hastapadasana helps stretch all the muscles of the back of the body, tone the abdominal organs and also helps make the spine supple.
...more details