“All I’ve ever wanted to be was a linebacker. Now I hear NFL linebackers do yoga. How can yoga possibly make me a better football player?” —Sal, 15 Bay Ridge
Sal, yoga makes every sport easier. Yoga is a style of exercise that combines movements for strength as well as flexibility while focusing on the breath. These movements are called postures, or “asanas.” Moving the body in these various postures and linking the movement with the breath is what makes yoga different from other forms of exercise.
With yoga, the movement of the body into a position is initiated by the breath. That means that the breath is where the mind brings its attention and the body follows the breath. In other aerobic activities like running and biking, as well as in sports like tennis and football, breathing increases naturally with the exertion on the body. Yoga can help sports and aerobic activities can become increasingly “meditative” when there is more awareness on the breath. The mind can begin to control the body and then the sport or aerobic activity can be easier.
Some people consider yoga an “inside out” process which means awareness on the internal— breath and mind—which brings awareness to the external - the body.
From this “inside out” perspective, the “yogi” has control over the mind and the body. For a sports enthusiast and athlete, controlling the mind and the body can be the difference between an amateur and a professional.In a nutshell, yoga builds strength, increases flexibility, brings awareness to the breath and creates a calm state of mind. All of these qualities are necessary for a long-lasting athletic career and probably why the NFL linebackers do yoga.
Bio:
Stephanie has been practicing yoga and movement for over 20 years. She
is certified through the Himalayan Institute, a certified Power Vinyasa
Yoga teacher through Baron Baptiste, and is registered with the Yoga
Alliance. Stephanie has been featured in several lifestyle and fitness
magazines and was voted best yoga teacher by New York Magazine. She is
director and co-partner of Sacred Strength Earthrise Yoga Teacher
Training and founder and president of Boomerang Yoga, boomerangyoga.org.
