Yoga and Workouts

As a personal trainer and yoga instructor I meet many athletes and workout fanatics. With a new client I ask if yoga is part of their workouts; many will say they haven’t the time to add yoga to their schedule. Some say they don’t see how stretching would be of any benefit to them. On the other hand others discovered yoga after an injury.


Yoga practice includes flexibility training, core stabilization, strength and balance work. Yoga can help you recover quicker after a workout, open the tight areas that hinder performance, improve range of motion and develop mental focus and concentration.


Many sports have repetitive movements usually in one direction and in one plane of motion. Certain muscle develop while others are ignored. This causes imbalance in muscles and joints and over time results in injury.

Yoga goes beyond simple stretching by working the muscles and joints through all ranges of motion.


Yoga has been practiced for around 5,000 years. If you are a competitive athlete, it is best to tailor your yoga practice to your training schedule. On a day where you are completing a long run for example, you'll want relaxing, mellow yoga. If you have an off-day, a vigorous, dynamic class will help you build strength and endurance.

Yoga helps the muscles, tendons, and ligaments move through a full range of motion, thus cultivating balance and core strength which is a huge benefit to athletes in their chosen sports. If you attend a few classes per week and/or a few 10-15 minute sessions at home, you will obtain fast results. A simple way to add in yoga is to perform your short sessions pre- or post-workout.

Yoga is practiced by many professional athletes and teams; give it a try, you won’t be disappointed and you’ll feel so much better!!

Easy Fitness & Exercise Tips

Way too many folks even though they may head to a gym, forget the easy steps to fitness....below are a few tips to help burn a few more calories every day.

Climb those steps!! Bring comfortable shoes to wear and walk up to your office rather than take the elevator. It not only burns calories, but does wonders for your legs and butt!

Do not ride around looking for the close parking spot.....find a safe and well lit area and walk to the store.

Carry your groceries, especially if you have only a couple of bags. Lift them up and down as you walk to your car....works the arms, especially the biceps, as well as increasing your calorie burn!

At the airport....walk, do not use the people mover or cart!!! For those who spend hours on a plane, walking will help get that blood flow moving as well as help with jet lag! And remember, water, water, water.