Yoga, Part I: An introduction

Alternative and complementary therapies have continued to produce benefits for patients such as reducing stress. Mind-body exercises such as yoga focus on postures, controlling breathing, and meditation, allowing individuals to achieve relaxation. Furthermore, there is some evidence to support a positive impact on many physiological functions, and for athletes the additional payoff from yoga is improved muscle strength, endurance, flexibility, and balance. Given the positive effect that it has on the musculoskeletal system, yoga could serve as another intervention to help in injury prevention for athletes. Part II of this column will further explore the musculoskeletal payoffs for athletes, as well as cover the performance of yoga asanas, breathing, and the use of props as aids in performing yoga postures.