{"id":9229,"date":"2025-04-09T11:03:47","date_gmt":"2025-04-09T17:03:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/howtobefit.com\/coach-blog\/?p=9229"},"modified":"2025-09-11T15:42:22","modified_gmt":"2025-09-11T21:42:22","slug":"best-ways-to-combine-yoga-and-running","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/howtobefit.com\/coach-blog\/2025\/04\/09\/best-ways-to-combine-yoga-and-running\/","title":{"rendered":"Best Ways to Combine Yoga and Running"},"content":{"rendered":"

The best ways to combine yoga and running are the ones that will enhance your flexibility and speed your recovery. In the article by Brit Yeager<\/a> in the BODi Blog, she provides some great tips that will improve your running.<\/p>\n

\"Best<\/p>\n

Yoga and running\u00a0are like two peas in a pod. Runners who take time to stretch (such as with post-run yoga) benefit from increased\u00a0mobility and flexibility<\/a>. Yogis who run build cardiovascular endurance and aerobic capacity.<\/p>\n

Running is repetitive and high-impact, and it mostly targets the muscles of the lower body. Yoga is dynamic and lower-impact, and it works the upper and lower body, as well as the core.<\/p>\n

While yoga does teach equanimity, there\u2019s a right way and a\u00a0less-right<\/em>\u00a0way to combine yoga and running to get the most out of both workouts.<\/p>\n

Keep reading to learn the best way to combine\u00a0yoga and\u00a0running, a couple of pitfalls to avoid, and a few post-run yoga poses to add to your routine.<\/p>\n

Is It OK to Do Yoga After Running?<\/h2>\n

It\u2019s absolutely OK to unroll your mat after a run, says yoga instructor Kayla Preston, E-RYT 200, YACEP.<\/p>\n

In fact, it\u2019s better to save yoga for after you log your miles for the day, \u201cas you want to warm up and strengthen your supporting muscles\u201d with\u00a0dynamic stretches\u00a0and movements rather than static ones.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is beneficial to do yoga or more stretching-based exercises after running,\u201d she advises.<\/p>\n

What Type of Yoga Should You Do Post-Run?<\/h2>\n

With so many different\u00a0types of yoga, which is the best post-run yoga? Stick with gentler or\u00a0restorative yoga. Save the intense\u00a0Ashtanga\u00a0or steamy Bikram for another day.<\/p>\n

\u201cAfter a run, your body will be tired,\u201d says Preston. And don\u2019t forget to hydrate!<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re following our\u00a0Yoga52\u00a0program, choose level 1 classes or shorter sessions for after your run.<\/p>\n

How Long Should My Yoga Session Be Post-Run?<\/h2>\n

There\u2019s no prescribed length of a post-run yoga sesh. Instead, listen to your body. Aim for 10 minutes up to an hour, says Preston, depending on the distance you ran and your current\u00a0fitness level.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re a seasoned runner who does a short route every day, you can totally do both daily.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you are running long distance, you may start to alternate your running and yoga or other exercises to avoid overworking your body,\u201d says Preston.<\/p>\n

Yoga is great\u00a0active recovery. That whole\u00a0mind-body connection<\/a>\u00a0that yoga builds really comes in handy here.<\/p>\n

To progress in your practice and build muscle memory, Preston suggests combining yoga and running at least three times a week.<\/p>\n

What Yoga Poses Should You Do Post-Run?<\/h2>\n

Runners often get tight in the legs, hips, and lower back. Give attention to your calves, quads, hamstrings, and glutes during post-run yoga so that you can get back to hitting the pavement (or treadmill!) sooner.<\/p>\n

Yoga instructor and alignment coach\u00a0Jennifer Fuller<\/a>\u00a0suggests starting with a 10-minute post-run yoga session, holding each pose for 30 to 90 seconds. This gives you time to cool the body down, alleviate tension, and loosen up.<\/p>\n

Here are a few of our favorite post-run yoga poses.<\/p>\n

1.\u00a0Happy baby\u00a0(Ananda Balasana<\/em>)<\/h3>\n