7 yoga poses to cool down after runing | XpertsReviews.com

If you love running, you already know the thrill of hitting the track and feeling that endorphin rush. But what you do after your run is just as important as the run itself. Skipping a proper recovery period can leave your muscles tight, your joints stiff, and your body more prone to injury. That’s where yoga comes in. Practicing a few simple yoga poses after running helps stretch and lengthen muscles, improve flexibility, and calm your nervous system. It’s also a great way to reduce lactic acid buildup and pain. Think of it as a way to give your body the recovery it deserves, relaxed, rebalanced and ready for your next run.

Health Shots has contacted youoga and spiritual leader Himalayan Siddhaa Akshar to understand which yoga poses can help people cool down and relax after a run.

7 yoga poses to cool down afterward running

Here are some of the best yoga poses to perform after a daily run:

1. Downward Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana)

This classic yoga pose is the best yoga pose. “It stretches the hamstrings, calves and lower back, areas that tend to get tight after running,” says Akshar.

• Start on all fours, lift your hips toward the ceiling and straighten your legs as much as possible.
• Keep your heels toward the floor and breathe deeply.

2. Low lunge (Anjaneyasana)

Running often tightens your hip flexors, especially if you sit for long hours during the day. The low lunge deeply stretches your hips, thighs, and groin.

• Step your right foot forward into a lunge, keeping your left knee on the ground.
• Lift your chest and arms above your head for an added stretch.
• Hold for 30 seconds, then switch sides.

3. Pigeon pose (Eka Pada Rajakapotasana)

Akshar explains: “Pigeon pose targets the glutes and piriformis, muscles that can become sore after long runs. » It also reduces tension in the lower body, improving overall running performance over time.

• Start in a plank position, bring your right knee forward and place it near your right wrist while extending your left leg back.
• Keep your hips square and lean forward gently.

4. Bend forward (Uttanasana)

A simple but powerful stretch, the forward fold lengthens the hamstrings and calves while calming the mind. This pose increases blood flow to the head, promoting relaxation after an intense run.

• Stand with your feet hip-width apart and slowly bend at your hips, allowing your upper body to hang forward.
• Let gravity do the work as you release tension in your lower back and legs.

5. Inclined Spinal Twist (Supta Matsyendrasana)

This gentle twist is excellent for releasing tension in the lower back and improving spinal mobility. Twists like these help with digestion and detoxification by stimulating the internal organs.

• Lie on your back, bring one knee toward your chest.
• Now gently guide it across your body while keeping your shoulders on the floor.

6. Leg pose against the wall (Viparita Karani)

After a long run, this restorative pose works like magic. It helps drain fluid from the legs, reduce swelling and improve circulation, thereby improving recovery.

• Simply lie on your back with your legs extended against a wall.
• Stay here for 5-10 minutes to really relax and reset.

7. Child’s Pose (Balasana)

Finish your post-run yoga with this calming stretch. “Child’s pose gently releases tension in the hips, thighs and lower back while calming your breathing,” explains the expert.

• Sit back on your heels, extend your arms forward and rest your forehead on the mat.
• Stay here for a few seconds to really relax and reset.

Is it OK to do yoga after a run?

Incorporate yoga after running is not just a question of flexibilityIt is on longevity. “This improves blood circulation, helps your muscles repair faster, and keeps your joints healthy. Regular practice can even improve running performance by increasing range of motion and body awareness,” says Akshar.

So the next time you finish a run, take a few extra minutes for these stretches.