Yin yoga is a slow-paced style of yoga that focuses on deep stretches and relaxation. It's an excellent complement to high-intensity workouts like weightlifting, and can help improve flexibility, mobility, and overall athletic performance.
These three yin yoga poses can be particularly beneficial for squat performance, opening the hips, lower back, and thighs/groin.
- Sphinx pose: This pose stretches the muscles of the lower back and abdomen, and can help improve spinal alignment and posture. To do the pose, lie on your stomach with your arms at your sides. Slowly lift your head, chest, and arms, using your forearms to support your upper body. Hold the pose for 30 seconds to one minute, and repeat as needed.
- Lizard pose: This pose stretches the hip flexors, which are commonly tight in people who do a lot of weightlifting. To do the pose, start in a low lunge position with your back knee on the ground. Slowly lower your back knee to the ground and bring your hands to the ground on either side of your front foot. Hold the pose for 30 seconds to one minute, and repeat on the other side.
- Butterfly pose: This pose stretches the inner thighs and groin, which can help improve hip mobility and stability during back squats. To do the pose, sit on the ground with your feet together and your knees bent. Use your hands to gently press your knees down towards the ground, feeling a stretch in the inner thighs. Hold the pose for 30 seconds to one minute, and repeat as needed.
Incorporating these yin yoga poses into your routine can help improve your squat performance, and can also provide a much-needed relaxation and recovery break between sets. Give them a try, and see how they can benefit your weightlifting workouts!
