| Tennis requires cat-like reflexes with short bursts of | | | | simple. Exhale during the execution of a pose until you |
| strength. These short movements do not allow the | | | | feel the muscles' full length of stretch (maximum |
| muscles to extend their full length. When muscles are | | | | resistance). Never hold your breath. Breathe normally |
| strenuously worked they become tight and can lose | | | | and listen to the body. Hold for 30 seconds, then |
| their elasticity unless properly stretched. Yoga | | | | release the pose slowly. By constant practice of yoga |
| exercises can increase the body's range of motion. | | | | poses you'll soon apply breathing techniques in |
| The lack of movement because of inflexibility binds the | | | | everyday routines. |
| joints. Without the elasticity of the muscles, I think an | | | | A simple spine twist is excellent for rotational sports. It |
| athlete can be a prisoner within his own body. | | | | can help increase needed flexibility of the shoulders |
| Using yoga techniques makes it possible to retrain the | | | | and back and hips. Remember to apply the breathing |
| muscles. Most tennis athletes play in a constant state | | | | technique to this pose. |
| of muscle tension. Yoga trains the body to relax | | | | Begin the spine twist by sitting on the floor with both |
| muscle tension. Learning to begin your game in a | | | | legs straight out in front of you. Keeping the spine |
| relaxed state could mean gaining an extra step on the | | | | straight, bend the left leg placing the left foot on the |
| ball. | | | | outside of the right knee. Now, place the left hand on |
| When in a ready position muscles are contracted and | | | | the floor behind you with your arm straight and the |
| ready for action. To move, muscles must be relaxed | | | | right elbow bent. Positioned on the outside of the left |
| and then contracted again to spring in any direction. By | | | | thigh place the right hand on the left hip. |
| retraining the muscles you begin from a relaxed | | | | Slowly exhale while turning the head and upper body |
| position, giving a quickened reaction time. | | | | to the left, looking over the left shoulder. Pressure from |
| Yoga breathing exercises can help improve endurance | | | | the right arm should keep the left leg stationary while |
| and stamina. When exerting in sports or exercise we | | | | pressure from the left arm and torso gives you the |
| often hold the breath as a way to create strength. | | | | twist. Stronger use of both arms increases the twist. |
| Yoga trains the body to create strength through | | | | Hold this pose for 30 seconds and repeat twist on the |
| breathing control. Holding the breath at points of | | | | opposite side. |
| exertion takes a great deal of energy that could be | | | | A total body conditioning and flexibility routine is |
| used during long sets or matches. | | | | essential for the avid tennis player. Yoga techniques |
| Learning the correct way while doing a yoga pose is | | | | could be the edge you need in developing your game. |