Given the pressures faced by today's young athletes, it is unsurprising that there is a rising incidence of serious injuries and muscle fatigue. According to the National Institute of Health, "40.4% of participants suffered injuries in 2019. The average injury rate was 2.64 per 1000 hours of participation, with soccer having the highest injury rate at 7.21. The most common injuries included lumbar muscle strains, ankle sprains, and bone fractures. Noteworthy risk factors associated with higher injury rates included greater weekly practice hours, the absence of warm-up routines, inadequate sports facilities, and younger age (14-17 years)". The reported figures do not account for minor injuries such as bruises, muscle strains, or instances of overtraining that our athletes often manage in order to maintain their presence on the field or court. So what measures can we implement to support these young athletes who are experiencing high levels of pressure, workload, and stimulation? One solution is incorporating yoga into their routines.
The benefits of yoga travel far beyond the perimeters of the mat. According to that same study done by the National Institute of Health, 10-weeks of regular yoga practice increases flexibility and balance, as well as enhancing whole body performance in athletics.Athletes who consistently engage in yoga are encouraged to stretch muscles that enhance their agility, and the practice aids in promoting quicker recovery. They also enhance the strength of tendons and ligaments when individuals dedicate time to balancing and reinforcing weaker areas of the body, such as the ankles, IT bands, and the Achilles tendon. Yoga positions such as tree pose, chair pose, and warrior three provide athletes with the opportunity to simultaneously enhance their strength and improve their balance.
Yoga offers significant advantages not only for an athlete's physical capabilities but also for their mental resilience. It equips individuals with skills to enhance their mental fortitude, navigate challenges, and achieve mental clarity. When athletes exhibit tension, it increases the risk of injury, impairs their agility, and heightens the likelihood of errors. Yoga assists young athletes in achieving mental calmness, enhancing deep breathing, and fostering balanced thinking. As a result, they perform more efficiently during high-stakes situations and maintain composure when it is most essential.
In my research, I was pleased to discover that yoga is increasingly being integrated into professional environments. Teams such as the Seattle Seahawks, New York Giants, Philadelphia Eagles, and New Orleans Saints have all included yoga as part of their regular conditioning programs. Wouldn't it be awesome if our colleges and high schools introduced this practice, too? Now they can. Shoutout to the Kingswood Oxford football team for allowing us to come and help them stretch during their pre-season.
For more information on how The Omstead's Wellness on Wheels can bring yoga to your athletic team, please contact us at theomsteadllc@gmail.com.
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