Abstract
Middle-distance running demands a critical integration of aerobic power, anaerobic capacity, and profound psychological resilience. Success in these events requires balanced physical conditioning alongside supreme mental focus. Yogic practices have emerged as a powerful, complementary intervention for athletic enhancement. The systematic use of Āsana (posture), Prāṇāyāma (breath regulation), and Dhyāna (meditation) builds core athletic attributes: improving neuromuscular coordination, flexibility, and inner awareness. Crucially, this review demonstrates that these practices enhance motor fitness components like strength, agility, and cardiorespiratory endurance, while concurrently boosting psychological health by reducing anxiety and improving sustained concentration. This synthesis highlights Yoga's role as a holistic, evidence-based strategy for achieving competitive excellence. We conclude by advocating for the structured integration of validated Yoga modules into training curricula and recommend further research into their long-term performance benefits.
Description
This review analyzes the impact of Yogic practices on motor fitness and mental health in athletes.