Shanghai Running Magazine Shanghai Running Q2 2014. Volume 2 | Page 12

The Perks of Yoga and Free Weight Training:
by Bridget Marie Waters

I am keen to keep fit, stay healthy
and pursue all round happiness.
Exercise is therefore very important to me. Other than running,
swimming, power walking and
spinning, I also enjoy yoga and using free weights. I often find with
some sports focus on improving
cardio, thus focusing on one set of
lower body muscle groups. From
incorporating a range of sports,
such as yoga and free weights into
my exercise routine, I am able to
work a much wider muscle range
and target problem areas, such as

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stomach and upper arms to tone
and strengthen my body: from
both within my core and improving my exterior posture.
I was first introduced to yoga several years ago through good running friends in the UK, for mental
and physical strengthening exercises. I am keen to try new poses
and have attended several classes,
but now create my own often in
the comfort of my own home on a
daily basis: either in the morning
before breakfast or later just before
retiring to bed in the evening as

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I find it loosens stiff muscles and
relaxes me, just as well as any
massage does and has certainly
improved my running technique
both physically and mentaly.
I began free weight training as late
as 12 months ago. As a female I
was always apprehensive of bulking up and feared free weights
would have that effect on my body
type. However, I keep my free
weights very light and do gentle
reps for several minutes alternate
evenings, which has worked wonders for my upper body strength:
previously this had been far weaker and as result of implementing
this into my routine I have now
become a stronger, more streamline swimmer.
For any person who enjoys sports
at any level, I now believe that variety is key. Focusing on one particular sport too frequently can create
injury, a fear in the back of most
athletes’ minds (certainly I know
from experience). However, once
a healthy, happy balance between
mixed sports has been established,
the possibilities for all round
health and happiness are endless.

April 19th, 2014. 15k Trail Race, big hills, dirt tracks, rocks and a lot of fun...

www.shanghai-running.com

© Shanghai Running 2014

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