In part 1 of my story I told you of how I started working out and the discovery of how workouts increased my performance. Part 2 is very similar in how I learned to appreciate and embrace the practice of yoga.
As a student athlete there are several things that will impact your performance. Things such as strength, flexibility, nutrition, and sleep all have a direct impact on performance. This is true for non-athletes as well.
I didn't realize how much of an impact that yoga could play in building both strength and flexibility until I tried it myself. A friend of mine started having weekly yoga sessions. With a desire to support my friend, combined with my always present desire to learn and try new things, I took to practicing yoga every week. I first I was very stiff and clumsy. The poses were different and often challenging. Yet as time went one I found my body adapted to the poses and slowly became more flexible. Again this had a direct impact on my performance. I discovered that flexibility goes hand in hand with strength. This is especially true for strength in the end ranges of motion. Which as a rider I often placed my body at the end ranges of motion.
Thus I found the practice of yoga to be both beneficial and enjoyable.
-Anna
Part 1 of my story