CrossFit and yoga are both favourite ways of sweating in Columbus, so to introduce you to our almost open Polaris Store, our educator Layne asked yogi and ambassador Lara Falberg which yoga poses are best for elevating your CrossFit practice.

yin and yang

At first glance, yoga and CrossFit seem like an unlikely combination. Once you learn more about the two disciplines, however, you begin to realize that yoga can really be the peanut butter to CrossFits’ jelly. Lara Falberg, an ambassador here in Columbus, Ohio, helped me realize how many similarities there are between yoga and CrossFit.

Physically, CrossFit depends on the flexibility of the body in order to remain injury free. When speaking with alumni ambassador and 2010 Crossfit Games Champion, Grahm Holmberg, he brought up three important body parts to be mindful of in order to get the most bang for your WOD (that's CrossFit speak for 'workout of the day'): hips, ankles, and shoulders. These body parts should remain stretched and strong for success.

yoga poses for crossfitters

Lara chose three yoga poses for CrossFitters to focus on, that will strengthen and stretch the hips, ankles and shoulders.

hips

Pigeon Pose or Eka Pada Rajakapotasana, is incredible for opening up your hips. If you know a thing or two about hip openers it tends to be where we hold a lot of emotion so don’t worry if you start to get a little teary eyed!

ankles

Eagle Pose or Garudasana, will stretch your ankles as well as improve your endurance. It’s best to warm your body before this pose.

shoulders

Camel Pose or Ustrasana, is great for strengthening your shoulders and opening your chest. It complements those handstand pushups you have been working on.

most importantly...

Listen to your body. Yoga will improve your flexibility and increase strength but it also teaches you to be aware of what your body needs. Add some yoga into your CrossFit routine to remain injury-free.

Get connected with our almost-open Polaris location on their Facebook.