Gym workout is passé. CrossFit is in. If you are clueless about what CrossFit stands for, it's a fitness program started more than a decade ago in USA and is now practiced by millions around the world. CrossFit works on the principle of mixing high intensity exercises to build up stamina and improve one's preparedness for any physical challenge. Aerobic exercises, weight lifting and gymnastics are all part of a regular CrossFit workout schedule.
Many across the world have benefitted from the mixed-bag exercise pattern of CrossFit and swear by its effectiveness. The rigorous workout last for less than an hour and yet is physically demanding, sometimes causing physical injuries due to its speed. To counter such injuries and keep your CrossFit experience optimum, you can include yoga as a part of your pre and post workout regime.
Yoga is an ancient art that loosens the body, calms the mind and helps approach things with a fresh perspective. The motive of adding yoga to a CrossFit regime is to aid you in making the body more flexible, getting rid of any stiffness and having a peaceful mind before approaching the demanding workout. A local Sri Sri Yoga course can help you learn postures that will enable you to push your endurance and workout experience.
Let's loosen up the body with these few simple postures before the CrossFit workout:
Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation)
Sun Salutation is made up of different yoga postures and helps loosen up different parts of the body. From the back to the hips, from arms to legs, Sun Salutation is one of the most effective postures to get you started before doing your CrossFit workout.
Ardha Matsyendr- asana (Sitting Half Spinal Twist)
The Sitting half spinal twist helps make the spine supple and opens the chest. When it comes to lifting weights during your CrossFit routine, a flexible spine helps you push your limits.
Veerbhadrasana (Warrior pose)
Stress in the body and mind can mar your CrossFit performance. The Warrior pose helps you release stress and improves the balance in the body. It also strengthens and tones the arms, legs and lower back.
Trikonasana (Triangle pose)
Strengthen your legs, knees, ankles, arms and chest with the Triangle pose. This posture also helps improve mental and physical equilibrium. A must posture for any CrossFit practitioner.
Dhanurasana (Bow pose)
Stronger back and abdominal muscles, toned arm and leg muscles, a much more flexible back are very much possible with this posture. The Bow pose also helps relieve fatigue that you may experience by the end of your CrossFit workout.
Svanasana (Corpse pose)
Resting in the Corpse pose repairs tissues and cells, rejuvenates the body and mind and also reduces anxiety and blood pressure. This is a highly recommended post-workout posture for anybody who loves to do CrossFit.
Yoga is not a substitute for CrossFit but more like an add-on. Clubbing these two techniques will help you enhance your training by increasing your stamina and loosening up the body. Many CrossFit training centers have started including yoga postures in their workout regimes to minimize the injuries people sustain. So, look up for and find a Sri Sri Yoga Program near you to learn simple effective yoga postures and unlock your body's true potential.
Yoga practice helps develop the body and mind bringing a lot of health benefits yet is not a substitute for medicine. It is important to learn and practice yoga postures under the supervision of a trained Sri Sri Yoga teacher. In case of any medical condition, practice yoga postures after consulting a doctor and an Sri Sri Yoga teacher. Find an Sri Sri Yoga program at an Art of Living Center near you. Do you need information on programs or share feedback? Write to us at info@artoflivingyoga.in