Top Yoga Poses Hockey Players Must Try

When it comes to any physically engaging activity, your muscles need to be continually strengthened. This is essential if you are looking to elevate your performance in sports like hockey and others. This is because your muscles get exhausted when they are continually engaged in high-intensity physical exercise or sports. Therefore, without doing anything to unwind these muscles, your ability to indulge in certain activities will be affected negatively.

When you are thinking about helping your excessively used muscles to release stress, there is nothing better than yoga. In the case of hockey, certain muscles need to be in the right shape. Hockey players usually suffer from muscle strains that occur in the hamstring and groin muscles. This happens because of skating movements during a hockey game. By incorporating certain yoga poses into your routine you can get rid of these problems and elevate your performance too.

Let’s dig deeper into the topic and explore the top yoga poses hockey players must try.

4 Yoga Pose Beneficial for Hockey Players

Yoga can be effective in targeting certain muscle groups of the body that are stressed out. Regularly practicing specific poses that refuel these muscle groups will result in better and stronger physical performance. In this article, you will explore 4 yoga poses that are considered very effective and beneficial for hockey players. You will find out their benefits and the right ways to perform them, keep reading to uncover everything.

1.    Warrior One Pose

Warrior One pose carries countless benefits for the body that hockey players can gain an advantage from. It is considered effective for strengthening the lower body, which includes hamstrings, calves, glutes, and quadriceps.  The pose is known for improving stability and balance which is essential in maintaining control during hockey movements.

To start this pose, you need to stand on the floor, and then bring your right leg forward. Then bend your right knee while extending your left leg behind your body while maintaining a comfortable stretch. Then, raise your arms and stay in the pose for a few seconds. However, a beginner might struggle to practice this on their own. This is why new yogis head to yoga studio Dubai to get their practice right with expert instructors.

2.    Tree Pose

Tree pose is considered effective for enhancing core stability which is crucial for hockey players. With improved core stability, hockey players can gain better control and efficiently execute powerful hockey shots. Also, practicing this pose requires mental focus and concentration, which can improve hockey player’s mental toughness which can improve their performance.

Stand straight on the floor and feel both your feet are firmly rooted to the floor. Then, ensure your weight is equally distributed on all four corners of your foot. Then, shift the weight on your right foot while lifting your left foot. Bend your left knee and bring it closer to the inner right thigh. Lift, your arms above your head and stay in the position for a few breaths.

3.    Chair Pose

Chair pose can be very good in building endurance in the lower body which can significantly improve hockey performance. Through this, hockey players can sustain a low and powerful stance for prolonged periods during the hockey games. It also increases hip flexibility and opens up hip flexors which is crucial for a wide range of hockey movements.

Stand on the floor, exhale as you bend your knees, and move your hips back while you do it. Imagine you are about to sit on a chair and send your hips back rather than bringing your knees forward. Then, inhale as you lift your arms above your head and ensure your shoulders are softened. Stay in this position for at least 5 – 10 breaths.

4.    Triangle Pose

Triangle pose carries numerous benefits that can positively impact hockey players’ performance and their overall physical condition. It opens the chest and shoulders which improves posture and counteracts the forward leaning position which is common in hockey. Also, with the lateral stretch in this pose, you can strengthen your oblique and intercostal muscles which support rotational body movements.

Stand on the floor and keep your feet 3-4 feet apart. Ensure body weight is equally distributed on both your feet. Then bend your body to the right side, and keep your waist straight. Then, rotate your hip, abdomen, and chest to the left. Extend your left arm towards the ceiling and hold position for a while. This can be quite overwhelming for people with insufficient knowledge. This is why you should practice this at yoga studio to learn from professional trainers.

Are You Eager to Improve Your Hockey Performance with Yoga?

Yoga can be a game-changer for hockey players and they can effectively enhance their performance at the game. You can head to a professional yoga studio to practice above above-discussed pose the right way to reap maximum benefits. Feel free to book your next class in a yoga study where experienced yoga instructors are ready to help you.

Read more: What Helps Sore Muscles After a Workout?