Blue Rock Yoga
On your way to Victory. What do Squash and Yoga have in common?
On your way to Victory
What do you think Squash and Yoga have in common?
A. Both were the favorite pastime of Monks
B. Both are rated highly as healthy forms of recreation
C. Neither proposes to be a contact sport
D. All of the above
The answer is D.
A. An early version of squash was a favorite around the cloisters of monasteries in Italy and France, and yoga in monasteries in India so I will count this one.
B. As far as healthy pastimes go yoga is an ancient discipline which has been practiced for more than 5,000 years, and currently, close to 11 million Americans are enjoying its health benefits which include increased flexibility, strength and balance. If you Google squash you will see it listed as # 1 in “the ten healthiest sports.” No surprise here, we know that cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength, endurance and flexibility are all hallmarks of the sport.
C. Although I have been kicked in the head once or twice by a student’s wild hand stand while teaching yoga, and squash is quite physical, neither activity requires padding and a helmet.
Many of my clients play racquet sports and to help them avoid injury and improve their game I recommend a yoga practice.
For those of you who still picture a guru sitting cross legged chanting mantras when you hear the word yoga, please read on.
There are many yoga disciplines to choose from starting with the more meditative restorative forms and moving to the Power Yoga programs which add cardio to your down dog pose! You can select a yoga form based on your personal needs whether it be for rehabilitation, injury prevention or as a key component to your sports exercise regimen.
In the practice of yoga you will increase the flow of oxygenated blood to make the muscles more flexible, and reduce asymmetrical tightness. In addition you will strengthen your core and challenge your joints to open with more functional mobility.
For the squash player you can take the focus to particular areas which are fundamental to the athlete’s physical performance, and as such prone to injury, such as the lower back, the abdominals, the hamstrings, the groin muscles, and the calf muscles.
So get your “om” on before you get your “game on”. You may be surprised at how a regular yoga practice can ramp up your performance on the court.
Check back for Yoga poses to improve your game.
Namaste.
Jen Mankowski, ERYT
Yoga Alliance Registered/Certified Instructor, Owner of Blue Rock Yoga & Pilates in West Chester PA
http://www.bluerockyogapilates.com/
blue_rock
Jen Mankowski, ERYT
Yoga Alliance Registered/Certified Instructor
Owner of Blue Rock Yoga & Pilates in West Chester PA
Blue Rock
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