Benefits of Yoga and Mindfulness for the Active Individual
Yoga and Mindfulness, while heavily researched and proven to provide physical benefits, is still fairly new in the sports world. Yoga has historically been viewed by athletes or individuals who have little experience with it as a practice for soccer moms, hippies, and monks in tibet. The philosophy behind the practice dates back many years, with the physicality originally starting in a static position and an individual would practice stillness of some sort. As the years have gone by, yoga has adapted to many forms, styles, and practices that all show unique benefits and allow for unique expression and individualization for all.
In the sports performance and physical activity world, yoga is now being popularized as high level athletes are being transparent about their personal practices and the benefits they have found. Some general benefits include stress modulation, neural efficiency, improved mobility and stability, improved focus, decreased mental reactivity, and improved control over one's thoughts and actions. Isn't there a saying that goes “Your thoughts control your actions, your actions control your outcomes” ? or something like that? Anyways, in general we see large benefits. As a physical therapist, strength and conditioning coach, and yoga instructor I've found that incorporating a consistent yoga practice sometimes helps MORE than simple stretching alone for physical recovery and therefore performance on the court. Know that this opinion is purely based on personal experience.
Why, though? There is ample research showing that individuals who do coordinated, sequential, programmed exercise are more likely to stay consistent and have higher dopamine responses. So because you're consistent and have a higher dopamine response when you do yoga you recover better? Yes and yes. But that's only the first benefit we are seeing. In addition, In many yoga practices it is encouraged to breathe deeper and enter a state of meditation. Deep breathing and meditation has been shown to increase mental clarity and have similar effects one would get from a full 8 hour nights rest. In relation to the active individual or athlete, I often hear that the incorporation of daily yoga has helped tremendously with decreasing muscle soreness, in addition to greater focus, and body/mind/soul control.
Regardless of where you're at, what your goals are, and your current physicality, there is a yoga practice that could amplify your performance. As mentioned, historically yoga was a static seat with no movement, and all meditation.There are so many benefits from this simple act alone. So if this is where you're at, it’s a beautiful place to start.
