During strength training you train specific muscle groups. This makes your muscles stronger but also shorter, making you stiffer. Yoga allows you to stretch your muscles. In addition, yoga helps with better blood circulation and faster removal of waste. Your muscles will recover faster and better as a result.
Good for:hamstrings, hips and general tension relief
Place your feet hip-width apart. On an exhale, dive forward with your arms sideways until your fingers touch the floor. Draw in your belly button, keep your legs straight and your back long. Bend your knees slightly as needed, focusing mainly on bending from the hips. Your head hangs down relaxed. Hold this pose for ten calm breaths.
Read also: '7 tips to start with strength training'
Good for:neck and upper back – an area that is heavily stressed during moves like the deadlift and clean-and-press
Lie on your back and place your hands together under your buttocks, palms on the floor. Press your elbows firmly against the mat. Inhale, lift your chest. Your back arches, your crown (almost) touches the ground, the weight rests mainly on your arms. Breathe high into the chest. Stay in this position for about half a minute.
Good for:shoulders, hips and neck – makes the spine more flexible
Sit with your left foot against your right buttock. Place your right foot on the outside of the left knee on the floor, your right knee points up. Keep both sit bones on the floor. Long on an exhale and twist to the right. Place your right hand on the floor behind you. Place your left elbow on the outside of your right knee and raise your forearm. Look over your right shoulder. Hold for ten calm breaths and rotate back to center. Stretch your legs out in front of you and do the exercise the other way around.
