The physical, mental and spiritual benefits of yoga have long been documented.  Physically, yoga strengthens one’s entire
body with improved balance, flexibility, endurance, breathing capacity and circulation. Yoga also provides a calming influence that reduces stress, and its practice helps lead to inner harmony.

sults that competitors say help them maximize performance and duration on roads and trails. Tami Schneider, owner of Cleveland Yoga in Beachwood and a certified yoga instructor, says that yoga is “a wonderful tool for the endurance athlete, bringing awareness to proper body alignment and an understanding of how to stand taller and stronger. Cyclists have said that they sit taller on their seat and feel stronger in their core. Runners find that they run taller and feel lighter as a result.”

Marni Horvat of Orange Village is one such runner who has found that since she started yoga a year ago, she has seen improvements. Horvat has been a dedicated runner for 20 years, including running five marathons in the last two years.

“About one year ago after a marathon, I felt my body was pretty beat up, so I started doing yoga to stretch my muscles and try something new,” she says. “I realized yoga was awesome to stretch my tight muscles after running, and it helped increase my speed by allowing my stride to lengthen after stretching my hips.”

A certified personal trainer and owner of a personal training business, MBK Fitness in Orange Village, Horvat recognized that her time at Cleveland Yoga was not only yielding results in her running, but also in how she felt.

“I had very little soreness after my long runs, and it was a bonus to feel so good afterward,” she says. “In turn, yoga has prevented injuries that have allowed me to keep on running.”

Schneider says that many of Cleveland Yoga’s student-athletes also rely on yoga to help them focus better during their season. She reminds them of what Baron Baptiste, the founder of power vinyassa yoga, says: “The mind will take you out.”

Horvat agrees, adding, “Yoga has helped me mentally get through some tough runs by not allowing my mind to let in negativity and create drama. At mile 20 of a marathon when the going gets tough, I tell myself to keep the positive thoughts in and let go of the negative thoughts.”

Schneider recommends that new students find a studio that has excellent teachers and offers a full range of classes for all levels. Beginners should start with a basic class even if they are physically fit so they can learn poses and breathing exercises.

“The yoga mat will find your strengths and weaknesses,” she says, “and continually challenge you to become better.”

For more information, visit www.Clevelandyoga.com or call 216-591-1183. The studio is at 3355 Richmond Road, Suite 251A, in Beachwood.

Karen Hess is a marketing communications consultant in Cleveland.  She has been practicing yoga for more than five years and considers it an important addition to her cardio/weightlifting and tennis regimen.

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