A bid for yoga to be included in the Olympics 2016, pushed forward by leading practitioners and founders of this core strength building practice, has shone the Olympic spotlight on the increasingly popular sport. Whether judging a non-judgemental approach to exercise is successful or not many top athletes are yoga fans.
The health and fitness benefits of yoga postures and practice has been recognized for centuries. With many variations, styles and teachings, yoga fans cite the positive impact of yoga on the mind, body and soul. Not only does yoga promote anti-stress and relaxation techniques, but it strengthens, stretches and can help with recovery from injuries too. It’s not surprising then that athletes have incorporated yoga into training for their competitive sports in the Olympics.
Winning gold at the Olympics is a lifelong ambition for any athlete and it was a dream come true for US swimmer Rebecca Soni, who not only won the 200m breaststroke but broke the world record while doing so. Her strength and flexibility are a result of her dedicated training which includes yoga stretches which help with any injuries and with the necessary alignment a swimmer needs in the water.
World record holder in the 200m individual medley, Ariana Kukors, placed fifth in the swimming event at the 2012 Olympics. The 23 year old has been a fan of Bikram yoga for years. This practice involves doing 26 hatha yoga postures in a heated room in 90 minute classes, and is an exercise that helps with connecting to the body. The Women’s Water Polo team are also fans of yoga when they are not training in the pool.
Despite not winning a medal in the London Games US cyclist Evelyn Stevens has featured in a YouTube yoga video and makes sure that she practices wherever she goes. For Evelyn yoga enhances the strength needed for the demands of cycling at a competitive level.
Hope Solo took the US Women’s Soccer team to victory and a gold medal with a spectacular save. Speed and agility are essential goalkeeping skills. A true team player Hope not only practices yoga alone but has joined in group yoga exercises with the rest of the team too.
It’s not just some of the female athletes who competed in the 2012 London Games that appreciate how yoga can help with their physical workouts and training either. Taking home the gold for Team USA Track and Field top athlete Dan O’Brien is reported to have used yoga practices too.
Whilst the training regimes of many of the Olympic athletes and top sport stars around the world are a closely guarded secret, there is no doubt that the plus points that yoga potentially promises makes it an attractive workout choice too. The OIympics 2016 might not only see more athletes talking about their yoga practice but a chance for spectators to see yoga in action if it is included in the Games. Now it’s time for you to bring out your inner-Olympic yoga champion.
