Yoga, more so than aerobic workouts, will improve your brain function says a new study published in the Journal of Physical Activity & Health.
The study participants were assessed at baseline, after a treadmill workout and after 20 minutes of hatha yoga. Post-run and baseline cognitive assessments didn’t differ much, however, after yoga, the subjects’ cognitive abilities improved. The researchers speculate the calming and self-awareness of a yoga practice may translate positively to your regular life activities.
So, who’s in for Om T.O. and the Lole White Session next week?
(Image courtesy of Om T.O)
June 11, 2013
Late post, yet again–too much running, I tell ya! I missed last week’s clinic (again) due to work. The scheduled guest speaker was Christine Felstead; I don’t have any notes from the night as my running buddy had to skip the clinic as well.
Although I missed the clinic, I do have Christine’s DVD, Christine Felstead’s Yoga for Runners. I’ve never done the DVD, so I figured this was a good time to finally try it (plus, my left calf muscle feel twinge-y during yesterday’s run, which kinda freaked me out big time).
It’s broken down into four sections: Foundation, Lower Back, Hamstrings and Hips. Today, I decided to try Foundation. This 10-minute section featured conscious breathing, equal standing, cross-legged sitting, hero pose and legs up the wall–and I found myself feeling nice and zen from it, and wanted to do a little more so I decided to try the Hamstrings section as well.
BTW, you need a yoga strap for the Hamstrings section so I grabbed my pink Jogi strap and seven minutes later, my hamstrings and calves feel less tight already.
Since I never stretch (bad, bad, bad, I know!), I’m going to try to complete at least one section of the DVD after my runs. I’d be crushed to not run in my upcoming half-marathons (I’ve now got two races in May!) so it’s time to get more serious with it all and do what I can to remain injury-free.
April 11, 2011
Tips from my weekly half-marathon clinic. This week I had to skip my clinic for a work commitment (but I will be doing the run on my own to keep up with training!), but my very thoughtful running buddy shared with me tips from the speaker, physiotherapist Kathleen Shortt, who spoke about stretching. Here are some highlights.
High heels = shin splints. Well, more specifically, she said that women who wear high heels all the time tend to have a shortened shin muscle, so when they start exercising and stretching that muscle (ie. by taking up running) they will most likely develop shin splints. If you get shin splints, try toe taps (ie. keep your heel on the ground and tap your toe up and down; this causes your shin muscle to expand and contract).
Instead of stretching and thinking of holding a stretch for 10 seconds, think of it as holding for 10 breaths. If you don’t breathe when stretching you won’t be able to get a full stretch; remembering to focus on breathing will allow you to increase your reach and get a better stretch.
(Alexander Wang Spring 2011 Tempest High Knotted Sandal)
March 25, 2011
