IFS Week 9
The Yoga Journey
I was very skeptical of yoga when I was first introduced to it years ago while in the Matildas. All this ‘Namaste’ and ‘vinyasa’ business was surely a waste of our time. I’m already fit enough thank you. I can’t feel this doing anything. What are all these weird ‘poses’ about anyway?
Fast forward a few years and I cannot stop raving about the rewards of this discipline and the extraordinary benefits that I’ve experienced psychologically and physically and particularly how it can directly impact on a footballer’s mobility, strength and longevity. Brad Porter and I keep telling the kids at IFS how we regretted not taking it more seriously in our playing days and that perhaps we would still be playing today.
After retiring from international football in 2009, I couldn’t stay away from the game and still played a bit in the local Newcastle Women’s Premier League whilst coaching as well. Not training regularly, my strength and mobility started to become depleted and my chronic knee injuries affected my game even more. Adding the emotional process of retiring from the Matildas, and the stress of starting a coaching career, I was not in good shape!
There were many things that helped me through the toughest psychological and physical process of my life, but I can seriously say Yoga was up there with helping the most in both areas and continues to be an important part of my life. The low impact workout means no pounding for the knees but has helped increase my range of movement, posture, core strength, stability and the list goes on. Basically it’s been a great boost to my overall fitness, knowing it’s an ‘internal organ’ workout as well! The focus and self-awareness required by the deep breathing brought a fresh mentality and ‘reconnection’ that enabled me to move forward with my life. Like I said, I cannot stop raving about it!
Not surprising then at IFS our players have Yoga in their weekly schedule as their recovery and ‘prehab’ (injury prevention). At week 9 of first term, I’m proud to say they are embracing the journey that hopefully is life long for them.
Namaste!
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