Want to get into the best running shape of your life?  Yoga, baby!

RunOm outdoor workouts are coming to Fairfax Corner!  RunOm is a Fairfax CityFit class that combines running and yoga to keep you healthy, strong, and perfectly aligned. 

WHY ADD YOGA TO MY RUNNING?

Runners know we’re supposed to increase mileage slowly, warm up properly, wear the right shoes…but many running injuries are caused by physical imbalances. Over time we can develop many over use symptoms along with tracking and alignment problems in the muscular skeleton system. Practicing yoga creates a healthier, stronger and more flexible body.

BENEFITS OF ADDING YOGA TO YOUR RUNNING ROUTINE: 

• Release the accumulated tensions of the day
• Build strength and flexibility
• Learn to breathe deeper/easier and with more awareness
• Balance both sides of your body for better form and alignment
• Improve your range of motion
• Improve mental focus
• Prevent common injuries
• Improve energy efficiency
• Gain body and mind balance
• Get to know your body better

Some of a runners' tightest and weakest spots include: hip flexors, piriformis, and the iliotibial band, hamstrings, and groin.  Also, any imbalance in the feet, ankles, legs, hips or back can cause misalignment and lead to sports injuries.

A few of the best yoga poses (asanas) to prevent injuries such as runners’ knee, shin splints, and plantar fasciitis include:

• Stretch hamstring with any forward bend (padangusthasana), downward dog, and intense side stretch pose (parsvottanasana)

• Strengthen inner thighs with lunges and standing side angle poses such as  triangle (trikonasana) and extended side angle (parsvakonasana)

• Open hips with pigeon pose and many poses listed above

• Strengthen feet to correct imbalances with wide leg forward folds (prasarita padottanasana) and work on equal standing in mountain pose (samasthitihi)

WHAT DO RUNOM CLASSES INCLUDE?

• Proper running form analysis and education
• Strengthening, agility, form, and cardio drills
• Speedwork on and off the track
• Endurance building runs
• Vinyasa and Kundalini yoga
• Active Meditation
• Proprioception (Body Awareness) Techniques
• Breathing Techniques
• Mantras/Focus, and Mindfulness (half the race is mental, after all)

LOCATION:    Fairfax Corner fountains