Yoga Pose of the Day: For Runners

I've decided as a way to get people more involved with yoga, I am going to start posting a different pose every day for different kinds of active people; from runners, dancers, football players to busy stay-at-home mothers. Everyone can benefit from yoga, whether it be mentally or physically.

Today's pose I chose is called "Crooked Monkey" and it is an AMAZING pose for all of you runners (and sprinters)! 

• Start by stepping your right foot forward, your left leg is back and your left knee is on the ground. Your are in a deep lunge.
• Keep your left palm on the ground and grab the outside of your left foot with your right hand. 
• You can either kick your left foot into your right hand OR pull your left foot in close to your butt. 
• There are many variations and levels of this pose. Keep trying to bow the right knee out, do not let it cave in.
• If you are feeling more open, you can come down to your left forearm. Hold this pose for at least five breaths and then switch sides. 

This pose works your Psoas Muscle. This is located on the side of your vertebral column of the lumbar spine meeting the rim of the lesser pelvis. This muscle is usually responsible for hip soreness in runners because it flexes and extends the hip while running. Increasing your core strength and flexibility will help to decrease this soreness.