Yoga/Pilates

LaHaine

I'm thinking about incorporating one or a combination of these into my training. The goal being to improve flexibility/increase core strength.

The problem is that I cant commit to a regular class so I'd be doing it on my own with the aid of youtube/books.

I suppose my main queries would be:

• Is this worth including in my training and how often would it need to be done?
• Is it possible to teach yourself from a book?
• Any recommendations of where to start with regards books?

Any advice or personal experience would be great! Cheers.

rom

LaHaine wrote: »

I'm thinking about incorporating one or a combination of these into my training. The goal being to improve flexibility/increase core strength.

The problem is that I cant commit to a regular class so I'd be doing it on my own with the aid of youtube/books.

I suppose my main queries would be:

• Is this worth including in my training and how often would it need to be done?
• Is it possible to teach yourself from a book?
• Any recommendations of where to start with regards books?

Any advice or personal experience would be great! Cheers.

Did Pilates about 6 months last year mainly as I was all pains and aches, found it good. I must say if I did have a very good instructor for it. I would have done a lot of damage if I tried it on my own as some of the stuff can rightly mess you up if done wrong. Used to be wrecked after the 50 min class more so than if I was running for twice as long.

macinalli

Did ashtanga yoga for about 3 months last year, would highly recommend it. As Rom said, I think that it's well worth going to classes as a good instructor will help you with the exercises as they can be tricky to get right. Some places allow drop in classes - these could be suitable if you can't commit to a regular class.

LaHaine

Cheers guys, food for thought anyway.

gnu

Sounds like a great idea! I love yoga - it has helped me so much that I tend to evangelise a bit about it! I don't know much about pilates, just tried it last week for the first time and it really did work my abs but sometimes yoga does that too depending what poses we do. I suggest you try both to see how they work for you.

Most places offer drop in classes so you could try a class or two when it suits you without committing to a course.

Also, Yoga Journal is a wonderful (and reputable) resource for yoga - it has articles explaining the poses and also free videos. I'd be wary of YouTube - some are good, but it's hit or miss. If you decide to just do it yourself at home without going to a class, the Yoga Journal videos (especially the ones by Jason Crandell) are pretty good at giving instructions on safe alignment. Even if you opt for a home practice, it would be ideal to attend a class or two to be sure you're on the right track.

Good luck!

wrstan

Hi
I don't know much about yoga, but having a strong core is very important to not only improve your running performance, but also to avoid injury. I believe that many of the common running related injuries are really symptoms of not having enough core strength. I have developed my own 15 - 20 minutes core workout routine which I try to do twice a week (in theory!:o). I developed the routine largely from a set of exercises that Hartmann recommends for runners.

My main advice would be to ensure that whatever you do, make sure it is specific to your running (I presume improving your running is your primary objective) rather than just joining a non specific pilates or yoga group which may end up developing muscles that don't contribute much to your running. If you explained what you want to a pilates instructor, I'm sure s/he could develop a routine for you. There are loads of resources and videos on the web of core strength exercises for runners, infact so many that it can be confusing - you could end up with a routine that takes hours. A good place to start is the video section of runnersworld.com have a look at the Training and Injury Prevention videos.

b

TFBubendorfer

wrstan wrote: »

I developed the routine largely from a set of exercises that Hartmann recommends for runners.

Any chances you could point us to the source of that info? Is it in his new book?

Harto45

I'd highly recommend Pilates (haven't done yoga). A beginner's class will give you the basics you need and a taste of what it's about. You could then decide if you want to progress or try some of the moves yourself. I'd recommend doing a number of classes at least, to ensure you are doing it correctly.

wrstan

TFBubendorfer wrote: »

Any chances you could point us to the source of that info? Is it in his new book?

I was afraid I might get asked that . I got my hands on the info from someone who does a good bit of coaching. The version I have is a fairly poor quality photocopy of a photocopy. Looks like it's from a magazine article, and I would guess it's relatively old, but I have never been able to source the original. I am away at the moment but when I get home I will post the title of the article maybe someone else can find it.

gnu

I forgot another good resource - you might also be interested in the yoga section on Runners World. Here's a link to the free videos.

Also, there's a yoga workshop aimed at runners in Ranelagh on June 9th,am thinking of doing it myself.
From Yoga Dublin's website:

During the course of an average mile run, your foot will strike the ground 1,000 times. The force of impact on each foot is about three or four times your weight. It’s not surprising then to hear runners complain of bad backs and knees, tight hamstrings and sore feet. The pain most runners feel is not from running in and of itself but from imbalances that running causes or exacerbates. A typical runner experiences too much pounding, tightening, shortening of muscles and not enough restorative, elongating and loosening work. Running and yoga make a perfect marriage of strength and flexibility. Yoga’s internal focus centres your attention on your own body’s movements. Consistent asana conditioning engages, strengthens and balances your muscles so they act as shock absorbers as well as movers. Conscious breathing and pranayama exercises relax the entire body and ensure maximum oxygen intake. Bear in mind that one of the main differences between an average and an extraordinary athlete may be sheer VO2 Max – or aerobic capacity. This workshop is suitable for all athletes from amateur to professional who want to improve performance and endurance. By learning to bring your body into balance with yoga, you can run long and hard for years to come. Date: Saturday June 9th Venue: YD, Ranelagh Time: 2-4.30 Cost: €30

Edit: ooops, missed that wrstan had already mentioned Runners World

wrstan

TFBubendorfer wrote: »

Any chances you could point us to the source of that info? Is it in his new book?

Hi TFB, I can't find any source for this, it looks like it might be a leaflet produced by Hartmann Sports Injury Clinic just titled "Core". If you want to PM me I could send you a very poor quality scan of it.