How Athletes for Yoga Use Meditation

Meditation gives athletes an edge in training, recovery, and on race day. While you can dedicate endless time to your practice, you can also reap huge benefits by consistently meditating as little as 5–10 minutes a day. Work IN is packed with practical techniques and practices, and the Athletes for Yoga Video library includes 14 strategic meditations you can do anytime, anywhere.

We tapped our Athletes for Yoga Pros to find out how they use meditation in their training and recovery, and beyond. Get inspired and start with a few minutes daily — you'll discover a little bit goes a long way when you do it consistently!

Andie Cozzarelli | Long Distance Running 

I love to do Cooling Meditation (from Work IN) before bed and after periods of stress. Managing my stress has been a big thing for me these days!

Andie Cozzarelli, Marathoner

Devon Yanko | Ultra Running 

I do Quick Mental Reset whenever I need to calm the F down. It brings me back to balance.

Stephanie Violett | Ultra Running

I use Awareness Breath Meditation (from Work IN) everywhere! I like this one because it's simple and I can just stop and take five minutes to do it. I feel grounded after this meditation, and calm. 

Stephanie Violett, Ultra Runner

Desmond Simmons | Basketball

My most used meditation is Legs up the Wall with my eyes closed for about 5 minutes. I usually do this meditation at my house after a long day, sometimes before bed or after stretching.  

Michaela Copenhaver | Rowing 

The Dissolve Tension Meditation (from Work IN) is my favorite pre-nap. I often struggle to fall asleep because of tension in my hips, quads and shoulders and this meditation does exactly as promised: dissolves tension.

Michaela Copenhaver, Rower


How do you use meditation to get an edge? Lead by example with #athletesforyoga!