What is yoga?
Here In the Western Hemisphere the term “yoga” often denotes a modern form of Hatha yoga and a posture-based physical fitness, stress-relief and relaxation technique, consisting largely of the asanas; this differs from traditional yoga, which focuses on meditation and release from worldly attachments. It was introduced by gurus from India after the success of Swami Vivekananda’s adaptation of yoga without asanas in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Vivekananda introduced the Yoga Sutras to the West, and they became prominent after the 20th-century success of hatha yoga….source Wikipedia
How can yoga help the CrossFitter?
1) Increased Flexibility
My “Yogi Rachel” version varies from day to day based on what I need. I practice yoga every day. I need my magical carpet ride on my rectangle every day. Sometimes that is slowing down and doing a Vinyasa flow which is what I teach a TrueFIT. Other days I need a total body detox via Hot Power Yoga that is taking/teaching a yoga class in a room that is heated to 100°…either way it something that has changed my life and I need it every single day.
2) Lower Blood Pressure
3) Improved Lung Capacity (via deep breathing exercises we practice during my classes)
4) Reduced Chronic Neck Pain
5) Reduced Back Pain
6) Reduced Inflammation
7) Anxiety Relief
8) Lower Blood Sugar Levels in Diabetes
9) Improved Sense of Balance
10) Stronger Bones
11) Healthy Weight management
12) Lower Risk of Heart Disease (lower resting heart rate)
13) Lower Stress Levels
14) Overall reduction in pain levels
15) Better Sleep!! (I sleep like a ROCK 😂)
These are just some of the examples of how adding in yoga can a CrossFit athlete, and what will all these things translate too? Better quality workouts, your body running more smoothly, and maybe even hitting a new PR ❤️
How can I implement yoga into my fitness journey?
I teach Yoga at TrueFit on Wednesday nights at 7:30 and Sundays at 11:30 before open gym. If you still can not make those times I also offer a Monthly subscription which has 50 pre-recorded classes (30, 45, 60 minute classes ready to stream at your convenience) If that still doesn’t fit your schedule, don’t make it so hard. Stretch on your own. Even just finding the time for 10 minutes a day to pause take some deep breaths and stay still to calm your body is HUGE for your recovery.
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Meet Rachel Boyer! She graduated from The Ohio State University with a BS degree in Agricultural Science. She also has a background in teaching (she is a substitute teacher for Fairfield Union & Lancaster City School districts).
She has been practicing yoga for over 13 years and has been teaching yoga for over two years. Last May she graduated with her RYT200 and is yoga alliance certified teacher. She loves all aspects of teaching but yoga is her passion. She enjoys teaching beginner classes to new yogis and power classes to advanced yogis. She is also an avid runner and has been doing CrossFit for 7 years (One of those she was pregnant) With her background in CrossFit she enjoys bringing a full body workout to her power classes. Set to upbeat pop tunes her energetic and lighthearted spirit is sure to bring a smile to your face and leave you feeling refreshed at the end of the class.
She currently lives in Lancaster with her two children. In her spare time she enjoys taking her kids hiking and going on adventures outside, which keeps her pretty busy 💛
