Poses of Yoga for Muscle Recovery: Support Natural Healing

Posted by Sudam Shelar on Dec 24, 2024 in Blog

Recovery from strong workouts is as important as training itself. Sometimes, in the case of athletes or fitness enthusiasts, proper smooth recovery becomes difficult. Here are the yoga for muscle recovery steps that work like a game-changer. Unlike this conventional recovery technique, in which muscle soreness or pain is just eased but is not very effective in flexibility or circulation, yoga brings mental calmness.

In this manual, we’ll explore the best yoga poses for athletes for muscle recovery and how they can deal with common demanding challenges like post-workout soreness and stiffness. Also, some expert guidance from a yoga trainer in Mumbai, who will help you take your practice to the next level.

A] Common Muscle Recovery Challenges for Athletes

• Dealing with post-workout soreness

Athletes frequently experience delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), generally a common reaction to intense exercises. This lingering soreness can affect the level of day-to-day activities, reduce motivation, and make the training challenging to undertake.

• Preventing injuries

Overworked muscle tissues and improper stretching can cause injuries. Prevention calls for a balance between strength and versatility.

• Improving flexibility and range of motion

Limited flexibility affects overall performance. A practice of regular yoga exercise increases elasticity in muscles and the mobility of the joints.

B] Top 10 Poses of Yoga for Muscle Recovery

1. Child’s Pose (Balasana)
2. Downward-Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana)
3. Pigeon Pose (Eka Pada Rajakapotasana)
4. Legs-Up-the-Wall Pose (Viparita Karani)
5. Supine Twist (Supta Matsyendrasana)
6. Forward Fold (Uttanasana)
7. Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana)
8. Warrior II Pose (Virabhadrasana II)
9. Bridge Pose (Setu Bandhasana)
10. Corpse Pose (Shavasana)

1. Child’s Pose (Balasana)

This foundational pose provides full-body relaxation and gently stretches the lower back and hip muscle tissues. It is particularly helpful for runners and cyclists to get relief from tightness.

How to do it

• Kneel on the mat keeping your feet together and your knees apart.
• Stretch out your arms and place your forehead on the mat.
• Hold for 1-2 mins and breathe deeply.

2. Downward-Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana)

This stretch typically targets the shoulders, hamstrings, and calves; it is usually a full-body stretch to enhance blood circulation, as well as facilitate the recovery of the whole muscle.

How to do it:

• Keep your feet towards the mat, bend down towards the floor and ensure your hips are elevated towards the ceiling.
• Keep your hands and toes firmly grounded.
• Hold for 1 minute while focusing on even breathing.

3. Pigeon Pose (Eka Pada Rajakapotasana)

This is a deep hip-opening pose and releases tension in the glutes and lower back, which makes it best for athletes with tight hip flexors.

How to do it:

• Bring one leg forward, bending at the knee, and extend the other leg straight back.
• Stretch your chest further, keeping your torso upright or resting on your forearms.
• Hold for 30 seconds on each side.

4. Legs-Up-the-Wall Pose (Viparita Karani)

This recovery pose decreases leg swelling and enhances lymphatic drainage to support muscles to recover faster after intense exercise.

How to do it:

• Lie on your back and lift your legs against a wall.
• Keep your arms relaxed.
• Hold in this pose for 5-10 minutes.

5. Supine Twist (Supta Matsyendrasana)

This gentle spinal twist eliminates the tension in the lower back, making it much easier to move the spines and relax the overall muscles.

How to do it:

• Lie on your lower back and bring one knee across your body.
• Extend your other arm out and look towards it.
• Hold it for 30 seconds on both sides.

6. Forward Fold (Uttanasana)

It’s power yoga poses for hamstring and lower back stretch, this pose also calms the nervous system, decreasing overall muscle tension.

How to do it:

• Stand tall, then hinge at your hips to fold forward.
• Keep your knees slightly bent if required.
• Hold for 30 seconds.

7. Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana)

Bhujangasana opens up the chest and shoulders and is ideal for the recovery of lower back muscle groups and flexibility of the spine.

How to do it:

• Lie on your stomach with your hands beneath your shoulders.
• Push into your hands to raise your chest off the floor.
• Hold for 20 seconds.

8. Warrior II Pose (Virabhadrasana II)

This effective pose builds strength and stability while enhancing muscle endurance. It’s great for overall body conditioning. 

How to do it:

• Stand with feet wide apart and one foot turned out.
• Slightly bend the front knee and extend the arms parallel to the ground.
• Hold for 30 seconds on both sides.

9. Bridge Pose (Setu Bandhasana)

This pose works best for the lower back to strengthen it and opens up the chest which makes it ideal for post-workout recovery.

How to do it:

• Lie down on your back, and bend your knees with your feet flat on the floor.
• Raise your hips upwards toward the ceiling keeping your hands by your side.
• Hold for 20 seconds.

10. Corpse Pose (Shavasana)

The ultimate relaxation posture allows both psychological and physical recovery by reducing tension and promoting healing. Shavasana reduces tension, improves circulation, tones the nervous system, and relieves fatigue.

How to do it:

• Lie flat on your back with your legs and arms relaxed.
• Close your eyes and concentrate on your breath.
• Remain in this posture for 5-10 minutes.

You may also be interested to read: 7+ Easy Ways To Get Muscle Pain Relief

C] Practical Tips for Effective Yoga-Based Muscle Recovery

• Stay Consistent: Incorporate yoga into your routine 2-3 times per week. Regular performing it guarantees long-term advantages.
• Combine with Proper Nutrition: A healthy diet helps one heal quicker along with yogas.
• Listen to Your Body: Adjust poses if you feel uneasy. Never push through discomfort or pain.
• Hydrate Well: Proper hydration supports muscle repair and flexibility.
• Warm-Up First: Prepare your muscle tissues with gentle exercises before engaging in your yoga session.

Also read: Best Foods to Eat (And Avoid) To Relieve Muscle Cramps

D] Find the Right Yoga Trainer in Mumbai

Recovery after the intense exercises does not have to be a solo journey. Team up with a professional yoga trainer in Mumbai to make all the difference in how fast and accurately your muscle mass recovers. Here’s why the right trainer is worth it:

• Personalized Routines: A certified yoga trainer prepares tailored plans according to your fitness goal and recovery requirement, they help you get the most appropriate results.
• Correct Posture and Alignment: Proper guidance minimizes the risk of injuries and guarantees each pose targets the intended muscle groups correctly.
• Holistic Wellness: A professional combines yoga with breathing techniques and mindfulness practices to enhance both physical recovery and psychological well-being.

I am Sudam Shelar, I design personalized yoga programs for effective muscle recovery and overall fitness. As an experienced yoga trainer in Mumbai, I ensure secure, enjoyable sessions that help you conquer discomfort and achieve your fitness goals with professional guidance.

Conclusion

Yoga is an effective way to heal and strengthen your muscle groups while calming your mind. Poses like Child’s Pose and Downward Dog ease soreness and improve flexibility. For those who want to level up their fitness journey, feel free to reach out to me as I am a certified yoga trainer in Mumbai and offer customized sessions to ensure safe and best results. Let’s engage in yoga and enjoy its transformative benefits to both body and mind.