Tag: Yoga in Rugby

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Benefits of Unlocking the Side Body in Yoga

On a physical level, our yoga series in Houlton and Eastlands in Rugby is all about unlocking the side body!

There are so many benefits:

Improved posture: By stretching and strengthening the muscles that support your spine, you’ll be able to stand taller and sit more comfortably. (Fact: I grew 1.5cm thanks to yoga and better postural alignment).

Increased core strength: Many side body poses target the obliques, which are the muscles that run along the sides of the abdomen. A strong core means better balance and stability in all of your poses.

Greater flexibility: Stretching the muscles that run along the sides of the body can help you move more freely and with less pain.

Reduced stress: Many side body poses involve deep twists, which can massage the internal organs and stimulate the nervous system. This can help to calm the mind and reduce stress levels.

Prevent injury: A strong side body can help prevent injury by providing support to the spine and joints.

What’s not to love about the side body? Your body (and mind) will thank you!

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Yin Yoga and Yinyasa coming to Rugby

Exciting news! From January 2023, I’ll be starting my 50 hour yin training with the British Wheel of Yoga.

Following a 3 month period of workshops, coursework and a final assessment, I’ll be offering new Yin and Yinyasa Yoga in Rugby.

What is Yin Yoga?

Yin Yoga helps to reduce injury, soothes the nervous system and improves sleep. It teaches you how to be in the present moment, rather than getting caught up in the worries of the past or future. 

It gently stretches and rehabilitates the connective tissues that form our joints making them stronger and more flexible.

Yin yoga is a quiet, floor-based practice. Postures are floor-based and held for 3-5 minutes or longer to stimulate the energy meridians. Muscles are relaxed to allow the focus to be on the joints, also encouraging a greater movement of energy through the tissues promoting healing.

What new classes will be available?

Yin Yoga – This yin practice is all about surrender. We surrender what we think we should be feeling in the pose. We surrender what we think the pose should look like. We surrender into our bodies, breath, and mind in the present moment.

Yinyasa – A fusion of yin long holds and vinyasa flows. This class starts with long-holding yin shapes that work deep into the fascia, then works into a more dynamic practice which targets the muscles.

Is Yin the same as Restorative Yoga?

Yin and Restorative Yoga practices both stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation. These practices help calm the mind, with your attention on the breath. Yin and Restorative Yoga are slow-paced and stress-relieving practices, they are very different.

Yin is about stretching and applying gentle stress to exercise the ligaments and to create space and strength in the joints. Restorative Yoga is all about supporting your body, allowing it to relax and heal.

Interested in getting priority yin class updates to your inbox?

Join my mailing list to be one of the first to hear about exciting class news and events. Yin and Yinyasa workshops will be available from April 2023.

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How Yoga helps Rugby Players, Runners and Cyclists

Yoga Rugby Player

Beyond flexibility and balance, athletes are using yoga to strengthen their bodies and minds to boost their performance. A regular yoga practice prevents injury, enhances muscle function, and combats stress — three key components of sports performance. 

Rugby for instance, is a physically demanding sport that requires players to have a high level of mobility, flexibility and stability. Yoga helps Rugby players improves strength, flexibility, control and endurance, and also deeply enhances professional athletic training regimes, by working to improve muscular posture, avoid injury and stimulate recovery. Read more.

Runners also benefit from yoga. The repetitive nature of running can lead to muscle imbalances and tightness, which can lead to injuries. Yoga helps to alleviate this by stretching and strengthening the muscles, as well as improving balance and stability. Yoga can strengthen particular muscle groups that may get neglected when you run helping to balance strength, increase range of motion and sync breathing. Read more.

And if you’re into cycling, well you will also gain from yoga. Cyclists spend a lot of time in the same position, which can lead to tightness in the hips and lower back. Yoga alleviates this by stretching and strengthening these areas, as well as improving flexibility and stability. Yoga helps cyclists improve their breathing and focus, which can be especially beneficial during long rides. Read more.

So, if you’re looking to take your performance to the next level, consider incorporating yoga into your training routine. Your body (and mind) will thank you!