Athletes in sports training develop tight muscles and uneven use of muscle groups, or the uneven use of one side of the body. Running, for instance, is great for the cardiovascular system. But it dramatically tightens the muscles at the back of the legs. This intense shortening or disproportionate strengthening results in muscular and structural imbalance. (Beryl Bender Birch, 1998)

If training continues without alternative work to open the tightness and realign the imbalance, injury is inevitable. Stopping training isn't the solution because injury or imbalance that has resulted from or been aggravated by a particular sport can't be fixed by simply discontinuing the training at that sport or exercise. Yes, rest may give the torn connective tissue or muscle tissue a chance to heal, but it doesn't eliminate the source of the problem. Once training starts again, the same limited range of motion or biomechanical imbalance will cause the same injury over and over again.

Tight muscles simply do not get longer by themselves. The alternative work to open the tightness and balance misalignment is yoga practice! The physical discipline of yoga, especially the Vinyana Ashtanga based AthleteYoga systems has proven to be a uniquely effective method for restoring range of motion to tight muscles and therapeutically realigning the body while strengthening muscles. With the emphasis on correct biomechanical alignment, strength within a posture in the form of static muscular contractions, and specific breathing techniques for heat and energy, this intense and physically challenging methodology appeals to the modern athletes.

Yoga can be practiced anywhere in any weather, without a trainer, special equipment, or health club membership. AthleteYoga develops strength, flexibility, range of motion, concentration, cardiovascular health, and reduces stress, tension, and tightness as a comprehensive package. The most outstanding benefit of adding AthleteYoga to a training program, in addition to preventing and/or rehabilitating injury, is the effect it has on performance. It enables an athlete to train harder and at a higher level because range of motion is greater and the fear of injury has lessened.

While all these physical benefits are truly remarkable the sort of pale by comparison to the mental benefits of a serious yoga practice. Yoga, after all, as defined above, is about learning to pay attention. As athletes seek higher levels of excellence in sport, the part played by mind in training and competition, increases exponentially. The ability to direct energy, concentrate on the present moment, and shut out noise and distraction becomes an essential skill.

Vinyasa Astanga based AthleteYoga helps developing proficiency in concentration, focus, and breath control is part of the asana practice. The practitioner trains the mind to focus on the postures and the breath. The fourth limb of Vinyasa Ashtanga is pranyama, or breath (energy) control, the fifth limb is pratyahara, or "withdrawal of the senses", the sixth limb is dharana, or concentration, and the seventh limb is dhyana, or meditation are continuously interwoven into the practice. That is why Vinyasa Astanga based AthleteYoga is unique form that benefits runners, cyclists, hikers, dancers, skiers, climbers, swimmers, tennis and golf players, baseball, basketball, and football players and so forth, men as well as women..

Often yoga seems extremely difficult to beginners, especially tight athletes who are very "fit", at their own sport. It is hard to get "into" something that is so downright difficult and discouraging. These people will eventually find, however, if they stay with it, that it will get easier. The secret to success in yoga lies in three things: practice, practice and more practice. Practice with earnestness. Practice without a break. And practice for a long time. Transformation will come. There is no short cut. If there were, someone would have figured it out already.

No one can understand what it is going to be like to do yoga. There is only one way to know, and that is to have the experience of doing yoga, and that only comes from one's own practice. And with our own practice comes the understanding of what people mean when they say why they do yoga. "It sets me up for the day." "It makes my day go better." "Everything else seems to flow better after practice." "It keeps me healthy." "My back pain and stiffness are gone." "I can breathe better." "It gives me a sense of accomplishment that nothing else ever has." "It quiets my mind." "I feel better about myself and the rest of the world." "I'm a better person because of it." ?My athletic performance has increased because of yoga practice?

AthleteYoga demonstrates how yoga improves balance, flexibility, power and stamina which can result in improved performance, injury reduction and faster recovery for athletes of all levels.

Athlete Yoga is a complete 30, 45, and 60 minute workouts for a specific sport that strengthens and stretches every area of the body, blending the most effective postures in a concise sequence. While participating in sports, imbalances occur in the body which can lead to strain on the joints. These routines, when practiced regularly, corrects the imbalances that active sports create in the body.

One of the distinguishing features between AthleteYoga and stretching is the constant focus on the breath. This development of breath awareness gives one greater body control which is necessary in the participation of sports. Imaging the different areas mentally reinforces the contact between mind and body which increases awareness. This translates into quicker reactions to unexpected situations encountered in sports. This quicker reaction can reduce the risk of injury. Awareness also increases coordination which can improve performance.