Yoga For Runners

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Notice how the demonstrator is allowed to sit and bend with spine slumped or bent forward, and neck tilted back. Spare the back and focus the stretch on hams by keeping spine straight, chin slightly tucked in, fold forward at the hips not the waist (low back)! Getting the legs straight and flat on the ground is the ultimate goal, not the starting point. Very common teaching mistake. This is probably because Westerners sit in chairs (can't squat) and thus have weak low backs compared to traditional students, who also began practice early in life.

=poster comments=
We love running and yoga. We actually find that these two forms of exercise are quite complementary. Yoga is perfect for stretching out all those muscles worked, and often overworked, while pounding the pavement. To ensure that your body can handle all the miles, Kimberly Fowler, founder of Yoga For Athletes, suggests adding these five yoga poses to your weekly fitness routine. This short series is great for lengthening shortened hamstrings and opening tight hips — both side effects of running. A little attention to your overworked muscles is a great form of injury prevention. And if you only have time for one stretch, Kim will tell you what to do. Press play and get ready to stretch.
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