We congratulate one of our yoga students Travis Baltz on signing with the Indianapolis Colts. Yoga is so important not only for professional athletes but for all of us weekend warriors as well.

The list of professioanl athletes and pro teams who practice yoga is long and stretches acrossed many sports.  The Los Angeles Lakers, Portland Trail Blazers, Philadelphia Eagles, Miami Dolphins, Chicago Cubs, and Colorado Rapids hold yoga sessions for their full rosters and the number of teams are growing. Pro golfer David Duval, soccer veteran Ryan Giggs, football stars Eddie George, Ricky Williams and Shannon Sharp, NBA powerhouses Kevin Garnett, Chauncey Billups and Emeka Okafor, and driver Danica Patrick, all regularly practice yoga – just to name a few.

So why do professional athletes practice Yoga?   It increases flexibility, strength, reduces pain and prevents injury.  It also supports mental focus and fortitude.  So, it’s no surprise that a number of athletes are using the practice to support and maintain their performance.

Did you come to yoga as training for a sport?  Has yoga helped improve your game?