Cross train with Yoga

My mantra for most people has been to balance strength workouts,running,cycling etc. with yoga poses that encourage flexibility so the body remains strong as well as supple.

However I realized I was guilty of not cross training myself! My body type has always been best suited for light exercises and graceful movements like Yoga, Pilates, TaiChi, ballet and the likes. So the idea of high intensity workouts or body building is not well received by me. While it is importance to engage in different sport activities, it is also significant to pick one that suits your body type and mind the best.

I decided to research some more about functional training and its importance. I wanted some movements other than what I already know in Yoga to improve performance in everyday activities. I desired a program that would help me with efficiency and safety. Something that would help build my core strength and upper body stability. I also was specifically on the look out to strengthen my quadriceps to avoid any potential knee injuries in the future.

When I met Marco from @iamcoachmarco , I was reluctant to start….where would I fit this fitness activity in my schedule involving my own yoga practice, my classes, my study, my preps for retreats etc. “ALL EXCUSES “, he said in the most typical strong Italian accent you can ever imagine. “We all make time for our priorities in daily routine, so you have to really WANT to do this for yourself,” So I decided to take a step towards this Functional training program to cross train with Yoga. 

As women, we are constantly moving our bodies in different available ranges of motions due to the multiple activities we like to engage in throughout the day, hence we are more prone to injuries than men. (generally speaking of course) So it important to exercise and strengthen the muscles of the body as a whole so they can work together to support us . Its quite similar to the Yoga poses, with one of the prime focuses being the core from which we derive good stability, posture and balance.

I am very excited to embark on this new journey for myself. As always, I love a great challenge and welcome anything that compliments my existing Yoga practice and gears me towards living a healthier more positive lifestyle. I will keep you all updated on the progress.

For more information about Marco, check out his Facebook page @iamcoachmarco

“Diana Azavedo is a Yoga enthusiast and expert, offering yoga classes in Dubai, worldwide yoga retreats and yoga teacher training in Dubai and Bali. ”