When you think of hockey, yoga probably isn’t the first
thing that comes to mind. Surprisingly, however, the practice has been found to
be beneficial for hockey players of all ages and for a wide range of reasons.
If you’re looking for something new to try with your team,
consider the benefits of yoga for hockey players.
Improve Flexibility
To start off with, one of the biggest benefits of yoga for
athletes is the fact that yoga is great at improving overall flexibility.
The movements involved in yoga are designed to gently
stretch the muscles, thereby increasing flexibility. And, with better
flexibility, hockey plays can also enjoy improved range, faster skating, and
more impact on the ice.
Increase Focus
You might think that the only benefits of yoga would be
physical benefits. However, that is not the case. Yoga can actually have mental
benefits as well, which can be useful for athletes.
For example, yoga teaches participants to focus on and be
aware of their bodies, how they’re feeling, and their own breathing. Once they
become more “in tune” with these things, they can have greater control and
focus both when they’re practicing yoga and when they’re playing hockey.
Better Balance
You probably already know just how important a good sense of
balance is for hockey players. Well, fortunately, yoga is highly effective at
teaching better balance.
The standing postures involved in yoga strengthen lower-leg
and feet muscles, while other postures strengthen the core, all of which lead
to better posture and better balance.
For hockey players, this translates to better skating and
easier performance of complex moves, like turns and pivots.
As you can see, yoga can be very beneficial for hockey
players. It can help them to improve in mind, body, and spirit, all of which
will translate onto the ice.
If you’d like to see these benefits develop in your team,
then why not start practicing yoga? Just a few simple exercises a day can end
up making a huge and hugely positive difference.
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