About
Running Yogini fuses the spirit of running and yoga for long-term success in the pursuit of achievement in running and life.
.Integration of body and mind 
Customized programs integrate whole-body development by creating body awareness, focus, and physical and mental strength; and applying these skills to discover the ease and joy in running and wellness.
The goal is to teach correct running form and breathing techniques so runners monitor training and listen to their body signals to train injury free, to enjoy running, and to be healthy.
Training program design is taught so clients learn how to modify their own program to achieve their goals. Flexibility and strength training, and nutritional needs are included for injury prevention, improved performance and training recovery.
Correct Running Form
Correct running form is important to realize the power and ease in running. Muscles in the hip area are essential to running performance. Muscles in the upper back move in conjunction with hip muscles and this combined movement brings ease and speed to running. Specific exercises are taught to bring awareness to this area and to strengthen these muscles to get full hip rotation and upper body power, thus increasing running efficiency while reducing effort.
Running and Breathing Patterns
Various breathing patterns are utilized to target specific training outcomes. Diaphragmatic and nasal breathing relaxes the body, delivers more oxygen to the muscles, and performance is achieved with lower perceived effort. Consistently using faster breathing patterns trains the body to go into a perceived stress mode while running, causing the adrenal glands to pump cortisol into the body. By not changing this training pattern, recovery is never fully achieved. Without full recovery the constant breaking down of the muscles, ligaments and tendons can lead to chronic injury or serious damage. Body awareness exercises refocus the runner on perceived effort. Different breathing patterns are incorporated into training to teach the body to relax and to utilize different energy sources within the body, making endurance running more efficient.
Running and Yoga
A time efficient, incremental movement series was designed to address the whole body and can be used for warm up and recovery. Yoga movement is a massage for the body and increases blood flow to the muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Increased blood flow brings oxygen to the muscles improving performance and removes toxic buildup speeding recovery. The dichotomy in yoga of using muscles in opposition builds strength and flexibility resulting in improved range of motion, lubricated and healthier joints, and a stronger performance. Yogic breathing brings awareness to the body and mental strength by increasing the ability to relax and focus.
An integrative approach of breathing, focus and body awareness:
- Breathing – various patterns of breathing are used for different stages of running to stay relaxed and maintain focus.
- Focus – visualization and meditation techniques are used to strengthen confidence and achieve goals.
- Body Awareness – learn to listen to the body for injury prevention and life-long wellness.
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These skills and philosophies can be applied to all facets of life leading to patience, determination, perseverance, and accomplishment.
