Pro Footballers Yoga Class

Downward Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana): Start on your hands and knees, then lift your hips up and back, forming an inverted V-shape with your body. Press your palms firmly into the ground, extend your arms, and relax your neck. This pose stretches the hamstrings, calves, and shoulders.

  1. Pigeon Pose (Eka Pada Rajakapotasana): Begin in a plank position, then bring your right knee forward and place it behind your right wrist. Extend your left leg straight back and lower your upper body toward the ground. Keep your hips square and breathe deeply. Pigeon pose opens the hips and stretches the glutes.

  2. Standing Forward Fold (Uttanasana): Stand with your feet hip-width apart, hinge at the hips, and fold forward, allowing your upper body to hang freely. Let your head, neck, and arms relax. You can bend your knees slightly if needed. This pose stretches the hamstrings and releases tension in the back.

  3. Extended Triangle Pose (Utthita Trikonasana): Stand with your feet wide apart, turn your right foot out, and extend your arms parallel to the floor. Lean to the right side, placing your right hand on your shin, ankle, or the floor. Extend your left arm straight up, creating a straight line from your left hand to your left foot. This pose stretches the hamstrings, hips, and side body.

  4. Seated Forward Bend (Paschimottanasana): Sit on the ground with your legs extended in front of you. Inhale and lengthen your spine, then exhale and fold forward, reaching for your feet. Keep your knees slightly bent if necessary. Focus on lengthening the spine and relaxing into the pose. A seated forward bend stretches the hamstrings, lower back, and calves.

Remember to hold each pose for a duration that feels comfortable to you, usually around 30 seconds to one minute, and repeat on both sides where applicable. Incorporating deep stretch yoga poses into your routine can help improve your overall flexibility, mobility, and recovery as a pro footballer.