The best way to combine yoga with bodybuilding

It is a mistake to think that yoga and bodybuilding work are incompatible activities. Far from being it, a session of yoga and another of weights can be complemented if what it is about is to achieve a healthy, toned and sculpted body. Discover how to combine yoga with bodybuilding to achieve a comprehensive development that provides you with maximum benefits.

Is it good to do weights and yoga?

Work on balance, power, endurance, mental and physical harmony… aren’t they goals shared by a yoga session and strength training? Of course. Many are the cross-training plans that combine yoga with, a priori, disciplines that do not have much to do with it. Yoga and bodybuilding form a perfect tandem and if you know how to combine two sports you will notice that this particular and, in principle, surprising “mix” works and gives excellent results for several reasons:

• The weights help to intensify the muscular work. The postures and movements of yoga (asana), do not detract an iota of effectiveness, but help to tone even more those muscles worked in the gym and also those that have not intervened in the exercises included in a certain strength routine. Therefore, bodybuilding is considered one of the ideal activities to complement your yoga routine each week.
• In yoga, balance is basic. In any session, achieving a correct posture of the spine, lower back and abdomen is a fundamental premise. In essence, controlling postures implies strengthening the core area. Isn’t that essential to correctly perform bodybuilding exercises?
• Among the benefits of combining yoga and strength training, we must not forget the flexibility that the practice of oriental discipline brings to the body. Stretching those muscles worked with weights, perhaps sore or stiff, is something possible with the movements of yoga. Stretching always favors a better recovery and helps prevent possible injuries.
• On a mental level, yoga can also be the best complement for any athlete, including those who focus their efforts on gaining muscle mass and tone. Yoga improves concentration and helps to face any challenge that implies an important physical demand with more calm, better self-esteem and with an always positive attitude.

How to combine yoga with bodybuilding

Keep in mind that there are different types of yoga, with more or less aerobic movements. If you do yoga and bodybuilding, the ideal is to opt for one of the yoga modalities that do not require a great physical demand so as not to overload your muscles excessively. Of course, it depends on the level of training of each athlete and the time you need to start lifting weights or attend your first yoga class; but, we must remember the necessary rest that the muscles require.

You can combine yoga and bodybuilding as you prefer doing both activities on the same day or on alternate days. In the first case, it is important to do yoga after hard training your muscles (not before). It is logical. The yoga session, with its slow movements and deep breathing, will help you relax and also stretch the muscles, promoting their recovery.

You can also establish your own weekly routine, for example, strength training two days a week and interspersing two – three yoga sessions.

In any case, remember that doing different activities always improves your overall training level and overall fitness. The simultaneous practice of different sports or disciplines increases motivation avoiding falling into a routine. If you decide to combine yoga and weights, you will not only improve muscle tone but you will also eliminate more body fat and gain flexibility, agility and balance.