Mobility is key to any athlete, as it helps to strengthen muscle and prevent injury. Especially with CrossFit, it’s important to take some time to increase your mobility, and one of the best ways to do that is through yoga. Check out these five yoga poses that can help increase mobility and take your progress to the next level.
Child’s Pose (Balasana)
Though one of the simpler yoga poses, child’s pose certainly offers plenty of hip-opening benefits while relaxing the spine and neck. To perform, simply sit on your heels, bringing your torso forward and rest your head on the ground in front of you. Extend your arms out in front of you to deepen the stretch.
Chair Pose (Utkatasana)
Chair pose helps to strengthen your calves and ankles and promotes good balance. From a standing position, raise your arms at a 45-degree angle in front of your face, then “sit back” as if there were a chair behind you. Keep your chest lifted and thighs parallel to the floor.
Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana)
Opening the back, neck, and shoulders, Cobra is a simple pose with many benefits. To perform, lie flat on the floor and press your palms to the floor right next to your chest. Push up, bringing your head and chest to a raised position, leaving your legs flat on the floor.
Pigeon Pose (Eka Pada Rajakapotasana)
Pigeon pose opens the hips which are vital to many CrossFit exercises and often overlooked. Begin on all fours, then take your right knee to your right hand while pushing your left leg back. Square your hips and lay flat, your chest should be laying on your right calf. Repeat on the other side.
Downward Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana)
If someone wants to impersonate a yogi, this is the pose they naturally go to. There’s a reason though, as this popular pose opens the calves and increases circulation. From a standing position, place your hands at your feet, then walk them out until you’re in an inverted V formation. Pedal your legs to engage your calves and really deepen the stretch.
These yoga poses are great for those looking for a little something different to mix up their recovery or warm up, and they certainly work great for mobility. Take some time to familiarize yourself with these poses and you’ll see an increase in your performance in no time!
At Rhapsody CrossFit in Charleston, our holistic approach to fitness will help you achieve any fitness goal. Join us for a free class today!
