finding the quiet on my mat + a yoga for triathletes Q&A!

As I unrolled my yoga mat at a recent vinyasa class at CorePower Yoga – the first time since I canceled my longstanding membership six months ago – I almost instantly felt stress leave my shoulders. There’s something about sitting within the four corners my mat that’s magical (kinda like listening to Girl Talk during bike intervals)… it’s an immediate mindset shift where the rest of the word disappears and all I think about is where I’m at and how my body feels through each yoga pose.

Lucky me got to practice next to my sister that day! Such a treat. 

That 100F + humid class (taught by lovely instructor Lindsey) was a blissful reminder that both my body and mind need more yoga. And, the mini shoulder massage with amber vanilla lotion during savasana? Who doesn’t quietly send “pick me! pick me!” vibes to the instructor for that?! Icing on the vinyasa cake. 

So, here’s a gentle reminder – a Q&A with one of my favorite local CorePower instructors, Leah Getsinger – to both me and you of why yoga’s so beneficial for triathletes!

Why should we all practice yoga? What are the benefits – and, especially the benefits for triathletes?

The benefits of yoga are immeasurable and constantly evolving. In a nutshell, it brings strength and length to the body, steadiness to the mind and intention to the breath. CorePower Yoga classes are perfect for triathletes who crave physical intensity, yet also need the breathing exercises and mental focus. Yoga can really maximize your training and help you compete longer.

Is there a style of yoga that’s best for triathletes? Different benefits of each?

Different formats of yoga can absolutely benefit and support different physical and mental needs. A CorePower Yoga Hot Power Fusion class is a great one. This class combines the meditative, detoxifying qualities of hot yoga with the intensity of power yoga to help you deepen your practice. This yoga class focuses on postures that open the shoulders, hips and spine. Try out a few different styles to determine what feels best for your body.  

Triathletes are notorious for tight hamstrings and hips. What are the best poses to help get a bit more bendy?

Flexibility is so important for athletes, and yoga is a great way to build it. Note: a common misconception is that you have to be flexible to practice yoga. Not true! A yoga practice helps you increase flexibility. A few of my favorite poses are gorilla pose, plow pose, runner’s lunge and crescent moon. There are quite a few variations to each posture that make them more accessible.

How often should I practice?

It’s really different for everybody! Explore how yoga fits into your current training schedule and go from there. I feel the most balanced when I make time for three yoga practices per week in addition to different cross training and workout sessions. Adequate rest is just as important as activity. 

Is it worthwhile to practice 2-3x per week for 15-20 minutes? What about an at-home practice? 

Every little bit helps. Fifteen minutes are better than no minutes. It’s about developing a practice that supports your lifestyle. 

That satisfying sweat that comes with swim, bike + run! What are some goals to stay motivated to practice yoga when the process is slower, and if practicing at home, the sweat factor is minimal? 

I personally like to focus on my breath – the length of each inhale and exhale. Challenge yourself to see if you can maintain the breath during resting postures and active, more challenging postures.

What do you tell folks who think yoga isn’t for them? 

Yoga is for everyone! CorePower Yoga is a great place to get started because you can experience the physical intensity of the workout and begin to feel how the mental benefits play out in your life. There are so many different perspectives on what yoga is. It’s about connection. And that can show up on so many different levels. 

So much of triathlon is being in the right head space. How can yoga help improve your mental game? 

There are so many ways! My top three: It helps improve your focus, patience and compassion. 

What about practicing yoga while injured? Do you recommend? 

Yes – but modify and listen to your body. Remember that yoga doesn’t have to be super active and grueling. Sometimes the best practice is just focused on breath and stillness, both which are incredibly healing. A mindful, conscious practice is yoga regardless of if you break a sweat. 

How do you approach your yoga teaching and practice? 

With lightness. Yoga keeps me light, free from congestion and full of abundance. Life is only as serious as you allow it to be. 

Do you have a favorite mantra? Does having one help focus your practice?

I find that my mantra changes and evolves with time. One that I come back to often and always is “just show up.” Nothing in your life can happen without you there and present.

Thank you, Leah! If you’re in MSP, find Leah teaching C2 vinyasa at the Highland Park studio on Thursdays at 9p. Bonus: If you aren’t a CorePower member, your first week is free! 

Full disclosure: CorePower Yoga provided my sister and me with a complimentary yoga class. Views are mine. That said, I only post about products and/or companies I believe in and use!