Yoga and Strength Training – The Perfect Combo
Anyone who has followed me for a while or read my blogs will know I am a huge advocate of strength training, especially as we get older. However you may not know that I am also a new fan of yoga which is one of the reasons why I decided to include yoga on the platform with the wonderful Andrea. Yoga and strength training are a match made in heaven and yet many people fail to combine them in their training routines. So today I wanted to explain a little more about this…
Combining the mobility and flexibility work of yoga and the muscle building features of strength training along with the restorative mental benefits of both bring you a balanced, formidable duo that are hard to beat.
First of all let’s talk about yoga – there is no disputing that we all need to slow down sometimes, take a breath and yoga gives us the space to do this. It is a true mind-body workout and it has been well documented that it provides stress-relief and enhanced emotional health as well as improved flexibility, balance and strength through a greater range of motion. You may not be aware of some of the deeper benefits which include spine, cartilage and joint preservation, increased blood flow, improved bone health and immunity boosting. Like all exercise, consistency is key to unlocking these benefits which is why I am diligent about my weekly class.
Now let’s talk strength training – the benefits are so far reaching. If you would like to read these in more detail please check out my previous blog post here. To summarise these include (and I really could go on!):
- Increased bone density
- Boosted immunity
- Enhanced metabolism
- Mood boost
- Improved posture
- Reduced back pain
So why bring yoga and strength together? Why are they so complimentary?
When you partner yoga and strength training you unlock a duo that brings strength and joy to body and mind which has a profound impact on your health and wellbeing. They really do complement one another so well.
When you pair the two you will find that you build flexibility and strength – if you are strong through a great range, you will breathe better during your strength workouts. In addition your form will stay strong, you will reduce your injury risk, you’ll boost your speed and power and finally your mood and stress management will be unparalleled – trust me!
Give it a go and see how you get on!
Caroline x
