Yoga is a great way for runners to improve their running ability, avoid injury, and get more out of every run. Here are 6 of the best yoga poses for runners…

Runners are an amazing bunch of people. They run to stay in shape, run to compete in marathons and run because they just love to run! But did you know that incorporating yoga into your exercise routine as a runner can help lessen the chances of running-related injuries? In fact, just doing a few simple yoga poses for runners on a regular basis will help to strengthen muscles that you don’t always use, but that may be prone to injuries caused by running. They can also help loosen tight muscles if you’re sore from running. And doing yoga can also help to calm your mind so that when you do run you are a much more focused runner.

Doing yoga after a run may be most helpful to help cool you down and to help calm your body and mind. You might feel a little resistance from your body at the beginning if you’re unfamiliar with yoga, but once your body gets used to it, you’ll never want to skip your post-run yoga sequence!

Just like any new form of exercise, you should start off slow if you’re new to yoga, so that your body can begin to get used to something different. Even avid runners should enjoy a day of rest now and then to avoid over-stressing your body. Yoga is a great way to fill in that off day so that you can still keep your muscles and mind strong, and will help to improve your running ability when you get back out on the trail.

Below are some yoga poses for runners that will help ease your aches and pains, improve your flexibility, and relieve stress to both your body and mind.

Downward Facing Dog Pose – Creates length in your spine and stretches calves and hamstring muscles.

Triangle Pose – Stretches hamstring muscles and inner thighs.

Chair Pose – Helps with balance and strengthens muscles in the core and calves.

Plank Pose – Strengthens muscles in the core.

Upward Facing Dog Pose – Strengthens muscles in the thighs, core and arms.

Low Lunge – Strengthens muscles in the thighs and core, and stretches the legs and hips.

Any of these poses can be done after running, on your off day and even before your run. Listen to your body and do them when it feels best. A regular yoga practice only makes your running better and can help keep you healthy and injury-free.

If you run, try to incorporate some yoga into your exercise routine starting today. Your body, mind and muscles will thank you for it!