Yoga and Athletic Performance
Session Title
Health and Wellness 1
College
College of Arts and Sciences
Department
Biology
Abstract
Yoga practice connects the body and the mind and may lead to a variety of health benefits surrounding the physical body, breathing, and mental well-being. Certain types of yoga, such as Hatha yoga, yoga Nidra, Iyengar yoga, and Pranayama (breathing practice) may have specific health benefits related to athletics. A review of yoga literature suggests a connection between yoga practice and improved flexibility, strength, and balance, which may enhance athletic performance. Attention to breathing may improve oxygen consumption and improve athletic performance. Yoga may also help reduce anxiety and stress and improve sleep. Overall, yoga’s ability to enhance the physical body, breathing techniques, and mental well-being may lead to enhanced athletic performance. Although some studies have explored yoga and its impact on athletes, this is still a relatively new area of study and warrants further investigation. Future research will need to increase sample sizes through randomized controlled studies in order to more directly assess the benefits of yoga practice on athletic performance.
Start Date
15-4-2022 12:00 PM
Yoga and Athletic Performance
Yoga practice connects the body and the mind and may lead to a variety of health benefits surrounding the physical body, breathing, and mental well-being. Certain types of yoga, such as Hatha yoga, yoga Nidra, Iyengar yoga, and Pranayama (breathing practice) may have specific health benefits related to athletics. A review of yoga literature suggests a connection between yoga practice and improved flexibility, strength, and balance, which may enhance athletic performance. Attention to breathing may improve oxygen consumption and improve athletic performance. Yoga may also help reduce anxiety and stress and improve sleep. Overall, yoga’s ability to enhance the physical body, breathing techniques, and mental well-being may lead to enhanced athletic performance. Although some studies have explored yoga and its impact on athletes, this is still a relatively new area of study and warrants further investigation. Future research will need to increase sample sizes through randomized controlled studies in order to more directly assess the benefits of yoga practice on athletic performance.
