Even though I’m (barely) running again, taking time off helped me rediscover my love for yoga. Yoga is one of those workouts that I always want to do, but don’t always find time for. A stress reaction in my foot was the perfect opportunity to spend some quality time on my mat.
Since January, I’ve logged more than 70 hours gettin’ down with my dog and into more poses than I ever thought possible. My biggest accomplishment has been learning how to, and then, perfecting my headstand (in just 14 days)!
I’m a huge fan of heated yoga, typically found in Vinyasa Flow (80-95 degrees), and the occasional HOT yoga class, traditional for Bikram Yoga (105+ degrees). For me, Vinyasa is the perfect combination of heat and time on the mat (1 hour – 1 hour 15 minutes); anything over 1 hour 15 minutes and I start to lose interest.
More than anything, I feel confident that yoga is a great addition to my running and training plan. The benefit of yoga for runners goes beyond stretching; yoga improves flexibility, strength, and recovery. As a runner, my muscles are tight from…well, running. Yoga helps loosen and lengthen muscles, and reverses muscle tightness caused by preforming a repetitive movement (running). Ultimately, yoga improves alignment of the muscles and bones so that the body can function more efficiently.
{namaste}
If you’re local to the DC/VA area, check out my favorite studios:
Mind the Mat
Locations: Arlington (Clarendon) and Del Rey (Alexandria)
Classes: All (Hot, Heated, Vinyasa, Athletes, Beginner, Prenatal, Pilates, etc.)
Cost: $20 (single class), $15 (discounted class); memberships available
Tranquil Space
Locations: Arlington (VA Square) and Dupont Circle
Classes: All (Yoga 1, 2, 3, Open Flow, On-the-go, Prenatal, etc.)
Cost: $19 (single class), $15 (on-the-go); memberships available
*Through April, Tranquil Space (Arlington) is offering a complimentary class on Tuesday’s at 4pm, in conjunction with Lululemon Clarendon
Supernova Bikram
Location: Arlington (Ballston)
Classes: Bikram
Cost: $20 (single session); memberships available
Do you do yoga?
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My March goal was to get on the mat more often and I’ve been making it to yoga four times a week! It’s so, so necessary but for a lot of people, it gets thrown by the wayside in favor of a “real workout”. So glad you’ve been making the time – it looks like you’re showing a lot of improvement!
Kind of (just a little bit) jealous of your ability to do the headstand lady! You rocked it!!
Another Melody! Ha, I rarely find some one else with the same name spelled the same way.. Anyhoo, I’m currently suffering from a tight hip (right side) that is giving me some serious pain in the back of my leg and knee. I stretch sometimes but not like I know I should when I trained for a 1/2 marathon. I know your foot is different then my leg but roughly how long have you give up running? I thought I would take a week or two off but it’s not helping yet. I’m just trying to figure out realistically how long I should stay away from running. Either way I’m trying to stick to practicing yoga because I figured it would help over all and help the problem I have now. And only 14 days to get to the full stand is pretty cool!
As a runner who has endured my fair share of injuries, Yoga has been something I know I need to start doing. As a beginner with very tight muscles, where do you suggest I start?
Very cool! Yoga is a fantastic running helper anytime you can get some in. Great headstand. I haven’t picked that one up yet.
Y’know, I’m moving to Arlington this coming week – I may end up seeing you at Tranquil Space (I’m a member, though I usually use the Dupont location)
I never liked yoga much but am beginning to appreciate it ALOT more!
Absolutely. I do yoga at home and also attend a TRX/Pilates class, both have helped me a ton in regards to running. I started back to doing yoga more last year after my hamstring injury. I realized how much running I had been doing and how little of everything else and that was a problem. Funny how injuries remind us to not only take those rest days, but to switch the routine up and add in things to help our bodies handle running better.
You are ripped Melody! I would love to try a vinyasa class, but bikram freaks me out. I might try vinyasa and barre after my marathon. Between running and crossfit I have no time right now to add new classes.
Yup though I’ve been slacking on this but like you, now’s the perfect time (nursing a stress fracture).
Wow, this is a serious hand stand (before and after). Good job!!!
I am seriously impressed! I just started yoga this year, but I think those moves are unlikely to be in my future. 🙂
Gaye