Yoga and Crossfit

Written by KC Stallsmith

Why Yoga and CrossFit? In one word...Balance.

The idea developed in April 2010. I was working as a CrossFit coach and surprised at the lack of mobility and stretching offered in most of the workouts I was asked to deliver. I started adding small bits of yoga and mobility at the end of my classes. Feeling that this was an important, and often neglected aspect of many CrossFit classes, I eventually did 100 hours of yoga teacher training in Hatha Yoga and a 100 hour Anusara Yoga Immersion. This was a gift I gave to myself to help myself understand more about my body and how I can give myself the gift of Yoga. Now as a Certified Yoga Teacher, Certified CrossFit Trainer and Affiliate owner, I am thrilled to humbly share the gift of yoga with others, especially CrossFitters who will experience the profound benefits of Yoga, that even go beyond the physical.

Through Yoga, CrossFitters can grow stronger physically and mentally, ultimately leading to better performance results, speedier recovery and safer movements. The benefits of coupling Yoga with CrossFit include:

  • Flexibility
  • Respiration & Breath Awareness
  • Balance
  • Body Awareness
  • Peace of Mind
  • Agility
  • Injury Prevention
  • Alignment

People come to yoga for so many different reasons. Some people come with back problems, some come with spiritual aspirations, some hoping to relieve their stress and some for community. Everyone who shows up has their own unique combination of desires, needs, hopes, fears, curiosities and intentions. CrossFitters are no different.

When a CrossFitter, or anyone for that matter, approaches yoga with an open heart and mind, they allow themselves to reap the physical benefits of yoga, as well as the hidden mental and spiritual benefits of yoga. Yoga is so yummy for the body and clearing for the mind. For a moment, just contrast this to the feeling you get at the end of a gnarly WOD and you get the idea that coupling yoga with CrossFit is an attempt at balance. During a WOD the mind spins, thinking of numbers, times, quickness (beating the person next to you!)....all thoughts that distract from your performance. With a clear mind, the body can flow more smoothly, even in the burliest WOD. Yoga is just plain good medicine for the CrossFit athlete, and you might even find it good for the soul.  Meditation and yoga WILL help your CrossFit performance along with all areas of your life.

Yoga is for Everyone

CrossFit AllStar’s yoga classes welcome everyone with open arms. Our yoga classes are great for athletes who have never stepped onto a yoga mat before, as well as the steady yoga practitioner. Classes are all levels and accessible to all. You will find our class descriptions here and the class calendar here.