Friday Five: Top 5 Yoga Poses Runners Should Do

It’s Friday, so I am linking up with Courtney at Eat, Pray, Run DC, Cynthia at You Signed Up for What and Mar at Mar on the Run for their weekly linkup. Each week they pick a theme and bloggers join in and link up. This year instead of specific themes, they are letting us be creative with broad themes for each week of the month. This is a “food” week, but I have a “fitness post.” Sorry! Don’t worry, I think you will like it. I will do food in favorites next week as I will have some awesome new finds from Expo West to share!

OjvATr9b_400x400I mentioned a while back that I signed up for a 6 week Yoga for Runners course with Beth from Sublimely Fit. We are in the final week, so I will provide a full recap and review in a few weeks. In the mean time, I asked Beth if I could share one of her videos that I think is great for runners. She shows us her “Top 5 Yoga Poses that Runners Should Do” and more importantly how and why to do them.

Beth’s top yoga poses for runners are:
1. Downward Facing Dog – to stretch the back of your legs including calves and ankles and to strengthen the arms and core.
2. Pyramid Pose – to stretch the back of your legs.
3. Reclining Pigeon (Figure Four Pose) or Pigeon – to open the hips!
4. Bridge Pose – to stretch/open hip flexors and toe engage and strengthen glutes, quads and hamstrings.
5. Legs Up the Wall – to improve circulation. This is one yoga pose I do almost every day!

Are these your faves, as well? Tell me more in the comments. You can also follow Beth on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. You can also check out her videos on her blog and You Tube or sign up for her FREE 2 week Yoga for Runners class. For $10, you can also get her Yoga For Runners ebook + a 20 minute mp3 and 10 minute video. It’s a steal!


Speaking of yoga and spring, I had the opportunity to try out an awesome piece from the prAna Spring Catalog for my yoga and pilates practice. I have blogged about prAna before but if you missed it, their mission is to “inspire healthy, active and free spirited living.” They also care about the things they make and how they make them. Since 2012, they have been bluesign certified which means that they meet the highest level of consumer safety, are produced with minimum impact on people and the environment and are responsible in the use of resources.

prAna Willa Azalea
The top came wrapped in a cute recycled package. I love the color and fabric!

I picked the Willa Top in Azalea. Truth be told, I am most excited to use this top for running! The top has adjustable straps and a built in bra with clasp closures. I like that the bra provides great support but there are no weird foam cups. That is a big pet peeve of mine. The material is soft but structured and has a really nice fit. It is their tech fabric called Chakara. They say it offers “superior moisture management, compression and form flattering shape retention. All the comfort and softness you’ve come to expect, combined with the function you need.” Spot on! The color is bright and rich and washes really well.

I love the structured fit and shape of the top. It is great for yoga and running.
I love the structured fit and shape of the top – great for yoga and running. It is pinker than these photos show. Bad lighting!

Want to perk up your spring wardrobe? Get 15% off from prAna with code PSSS16EF. They have great clothes for yoga, fitness, travel and casual wear for men and women. The Spring collection is huge and they have a great sale “rack,” too! You can also follow prAna on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Please note: I was provided the Willa Top at no cost by Prana due to my relationship with Fit Approach. I was not otherwise compensated for this post. All opinions are my own.

PS. Have a great weekend and don’t forget my great giveaways!