How often for yoga?

[kim3339]

I had problems w/ my hip flexors at Nike 2 weeks ago, and want to make sure that doesn't happen in my marathon in Dec.

I have a Yoga for Athletes DVD and started it last week, but I'm not sure how often I should do it for it to make a difference/improvement. There are 2 workouts~ 1 for strength and 1 for flexibility. They're each about a hour long and you can also do a little 5-10 minute mini-workout specifically for running in addition to the regular workout.

I've been doing the flexibilty workout only, my muscles are really tight so I figured that the flexibilty one would be better. I've done it 1x the past 2 weeks, but am wondering if once is enough? Should it be twice a week? It would be in addition to my regular running schedule and weights at the gym. I'm also taking a Barre class once a week.

If anybody has any tips, that would be great! Thanks!!

 

[MikeofRose&Mike]

I do yoga as a maintenance once a week, it has helped with flexibilty and injury prevention. But if you have the time, I don't think there is any harm in doing it more often.

 

[FFigawi]

I try to go twice a week, but my advice is to go as often as you can.

 

[DisneyDreamerMom]

I do it twice a week, but they are just 15 min routines, so that doesn't take long. I have noticed if I skip a week my muscles get really, really tight. I would do at least once a week but, like John said, if you can do more, do more!

 

[kim3339]

Thanks guys! This helps a lot.

 

[cewait]

I am a little late.... daily is not too often for the flexibility version. I would limit strength to twice a week.

Thinking a little before I hit send..... it would be great if you could pull a balanced set of poses out of the flex dvd and create a 15-20 minute routine for a post run cool down. I used to be the token male in a Palates Reformer class and would walk into from coaching a cycle 60 class. You are warm and able to better work on your issues. Just make sure you hydrate if you opt for this.

 

[kim3339]

Thanks coach! And welcome back!

 

[gotrojansgo]

I do yoga once a week to stay flexible and to break up the monotony of running (I've been doing a new training plan that involves shorter runs more often through the week), and it really does help. Not only do you get the hang of it quickly, but I feel like it makes your stretching more efficient post-any run.