As a follow up to my earlier post titled, Yoga for Boys (as in, WHERE is yoga for the boys?), I'm thrilled to have been notified (thanks Shanti Generation!) of a fabulous yogi, Rosabeth Dorfhuber, based in California, who is doing amazing work with elite athletes and athletic teams of all kinds. Her company is aptly called Athletes Do Yoga. Perfect, huh?
Pull up with website the next time you need some inspiration for the boys – it's full of great quotes from athletes and their coaches, as well as a nice list of physical and mental benefits of yoga for athletes. Here are just a few:
Physical Benefits for Athletes
- Prevents injuries
- Speeds up recovery
- Increases core body strength
- Increases flexibility
- Improves balance
- Improves body control
- Promotes muscular symmetry
- Lengthens muscles
- Alleviates back pain
- Relaxes the body
- Raises energy level
- Improves oxygen intake
Mental Benefits for Athletes
- Helps perform at peak “in the zone”
- Mental edge
- Ability to stay relaxed in competition
- Increases focus and concentration
- Increases spatial awareness
- Brings awareness to the breath
- Reduces anxiety
- Reduces stress
- Calms the mind
- Connects breath and body
- Improves sleep
Quotes:
Dudley LaPorte, 4 Star Tight End (pictured above); "The quality of the stretch… the level of mental concentration that is gained, These same skills that I used in yoga, breathing and being calm are the same things that I will apply to the football field during big time plays and situations."
Anthony Hartz, Punter, 1st Team WSC 2007, Nominated All State, SBCC Record 81 yard punt"Yoga helps loosen up my hips and makes my legs more flexible… I can get more reach … produces more hang time and distance on the ball. The breathing has helped my confidence. Breathing helps you calm down and relax since you don't think about what is going on around you. You just focus on what you need to succeed."
Blake McFarland, Pitcher: Folsom Pioneers, 1st Team WSC 2009, 2nd Team WSC '08 "I believe it has helped my game tremendously. It [yoga] gives me strength in muscles I have never used before. I seem way more fluid on the mound. Yoga showed me how to utilize the mind." For more information about Blake visit: http://www.sbcc.edu/baseball/index.php?sec=3276
Carlos Alonso, 3rd Baseman: 2009 2nd Team CAA, 2008 All So Cal & 2 time WSC 1st Team "My flexibility increased a tremendous amount. I think it was able to keep me heatlhy throughout the whole season. Yoga helps you have a quite time in your day where you can relax and focus." For more information about Carlos visit: http://www.bluehens.com/sportsinfo/baseball/base09-capecod.html
Need we say more? Keep up the great work Rosabeth!