Many players don’t know, but yoga can extremely beneficial for baseball. There is a perception that yoga is primarily for flexibility freaks, and mainly used only by women. Well, this assumption is wrong because many professional teams require their players to utilize yoga during the off-season and even during the regular season. Why is this?

Yoga is helpful for baseball because it increases flexibility and mobility. Many players suffer from a lack of mobility usually in the shoulder girdle and hips. Also, baseball players are known for muscular imbalances because of the overuse on one side during pitching or hitting. Yoga is designed to increase full body strength in awkward positions, and as a result, could eliminate some dangerous muscular imbalances.

Flexibility is also important for baseball players because many actions in the sport require it. A pitcher for example needs flexibility in order to generate a longer stride length. While the stride length is primarily determined by the efficiency of the mechanics, flexibility in the groin and hamstrings can also play a role into how long your potential stride is.

A proper yoga routine can also increase core strength and balance. Core strength is essential for hitting a baseball further, and throw a baseball faster. Having good balance is an essential characteristic for all athletes.

Baseball players should typically use yoga routines only one or two times a week. Make sure that you only perform these exercises following exercise, and never before. Yoga is designed to be a recovery method, but not designed to prepare muscles for a subsequent workout. You should also know that yoga will decrease your recovery time between strength training sessions, and this is essential for increasing your gains.

Make sure that you utilize dynamic stretching for your warm up, and end your session with static stretching or yoga. You can also some elements of isometric stretching at the end of your workouts. Follow this formula and you are guaranteed to see massive results in your overall flexibility and mobility potential.

Yoga is not only beneficial for baseball, but for all sports. Some popular football players who use yoga in their training regimes are Amani Toomer, Jon Dorenbos, and Brady Poppinga.

Many popular baseball teams also use yoga including the Yankees, Rays, and Padres.

There is no reason for you to feel embarrassed by using these stretching techniques because you could miss out on a great opportunity to push your game even higher. Yoga is beneficial for baseball, and should not be underestimated. Use it in combination with your other stretching techniques for maximum results.