Why yoga?

Every coach’s worst nightmare is to have players sidelined due to injuries from the demands of training and competition. As a collegiate athlete (basketball), I learned first-hand how yoga can help prevent and rehabilitate injuries, and enhance performance. For years, athletes at the highest level have enjoyed the benefits of incorporating a regular yoga practice into their training regimen—from tennis players and swimmers to professional sports teams like the NFL Philadelphia Eagles.

In yoga your athletes will practice control and coordination of key muscle groups, and focus their energy to optimize specific movements; a technique that

has direct application to stepping onto the court, field, track, or diving into the pool. The combination of physical postures and breathing exercises will help your athletes play to their potential—whatever the team or individual goals may be. Expect to:

• Build strength relevant to your sport
• Increase flexibility, resulting in greater efficiency and range of motion
• Prevent injuries
• Speed recovery time after workouts and competition
• Enhance mental focus so you can consistently stay calm and sharp under pressure

"Erin has done a wonderful job with our tennis players.  We have improved physically and we have been able to avoid injuries.  The most obvious improvement has been with our mental and emotional control.  We are one of only 12 teams in the nation that did not lose a match to a team outside of the top 20 all season long—now that is consistency!"

– Matt Anger, University of Washington Men’s Head Tennis Coach

Practice with Erin

As a lifelong athlete, I understand the demands of the student athlete, and the mental space they are in. Classes are tailored to meet the needs of each team. Emphasis on opening muscles of the hips and legs, coupled with building core strength helps prevent back problems and pulled muscles, and gives athletes greater power in their stride, leap, swing or throw.

"Yoga helped our swimmers in numerous ways.  One way was to make available the tools to prepare their body for competition through breathing and focus.  Learning how to breathe gave our swimmers the ability to slow down and ‘see’ their races and perform better.  The second way was increasing the flexibility of each athlete.  Yoga's overall approach allows every athlete's non-flexibility needs to be met, including the legs, back and shoulders.

This was all possible due to Erin's approach to yoga from a standpoint as a former student-athlete.  I believe this allows Erin the unique ability to make yoga relevant and beneficial, especially for male athletes.”

– John Fedena, University of Washington Swimming Coach

Yoga gives athletes a unique opportunity to focus on the breath while being challenged in demanding static and balancing poses. Athletes learn techniques to stay focused even in stressful situations and to return to the breath to gain energy or release pent up frustration—invaluable skills at game time. Themes in class have a clear purpose and help athletes relate the practice to their sport and beyond—creating a balance they can carry with them off the mat, court, or field, and into life.

Research has shown that breath work has more positive impact on sports preparation and recovery than any of yoga’s other components.

Consistent practice is key for results. For maximum results, I request working with athletes at least twice a week for 45-minunte to hour-long sessions. I also propose instructing smaller groups, allowing me to stretch players and help those who are working through injuries or have other special needs.

Please call or email me to further discuss how your athletes can prevent injuries and gain strength, flexibility, and sharpen mental focus through yoga. Coaches who contact me to schedule a meeting by August 21 receive a free class for their team.

“I’m passionate about making yoga accessible and relevant. My goal is to help others deepen their connection between breath, body and mind to create a balance they can take off the mat and into a life of clear intention.”

– Erin