In previous articles, I’ve written about the importance of good mobility and stability in your pitching delivery. But one thing I haven’t mentioned before is that late in my career, I finally got serious about addressing flexibility and mobility issues that were holding me back.
And I started doing something I never would have considered in my younger days…
I had tried stretching at night, and that helped to some extent. But I still felt I could do more to improve my flexibility, stability and balance to make my pitching delivery more efficient.
So one off-season, I decided to take a different approach and started doing Yoga. I still kept up with my other conditioning (lifting, plyo’s, sprinting).
Here are some key benefits I saw from adding Yoga:
- Improved overall flexibility
- Improved balance and stability
- Improved body awareness
- Improved strength and stamina
Plus an unanticipated side-benefit…
- Improved mental focus and toughness
I recently caught up with Gwen Lawrence, a leading Yoga instructor when it comes to training athletes. Gwen has worked with many pro and amateur athletes, including members of the New York Yankees and New York Giants.
One thing I like about Gwen’s approach is that she really makes an effort to understand the individual athlete. She understands the position, and the unique demands a pitcher may have vs. a hitter. And at the same time, some guys may need to work more on flexibility, some more on balance and stability.
Now Yoga isn’t necessarily for everyone… But if you keep an open mind, I believe most pitchers can benefit from adding Yoga to their training.
So if you’re like me, and you’re always on the lookout for ways to be a better pitcher, check out today’s interview!
Gwen Lawrence
GwenLawrence.com
•E-RYT 500 experienced registered Yoga Teacher 500 hour, highest accredited
•YTA member of Yoga teachers association
•YA member of Yoga Alliance
•NSCA member National Sports conditioning association
•RY th Registered Yoga Therapist
•RYS register accredited yoga school owner founder director
Poses/Stretches referenced in the interview:
