September is National Yoga Month, so we caught up with Team B4BC rider and Olympic gold medalist Jamie Anderson who knows a thing or two about the benefits of yoga—and between the strength, flexibility, balance and meditation aspects of yoga, has credited it to much of her snowboarding success! Jamie finds balance all over the world through practicing yoga, which she tell us “has not only helped my snowboarding, but everything in my life.”
Even though she only hits the gym in summer and fall because of her crazy travel schedule, she always goes to yoga—core fusion and Vinyasa. Jamie’s favorite poses are variations on the handstand and scorpion because she likes the physical and mental challenge of using your whole body: “You have to find your balance in this uncomfortable position, so when you do it, you feel like you’re really overcoming an obstacle.” Jamie loves all kinds of yoga—Tibetan Heart, Kundalini, Vinyasa—which she tributes to keeping her healthy and balanced.
When Jamie’s looking for something to de-stress, she’ll flow with whatever she’s feeling—Downward Dogs, a few vinyasas and some balancing and stretching poses: “Yoga always helps me slow down, be present and be grateful for my health and well-being.” For building core strength her go-to is Plank, and for the abs it’s Headstand: while elevating your legs from the core, but not kicking up to headstand, slowing bringing your legs up to vertical.
And what’s Jamie’s take-away advice to us? “Yoga brings balance…Get inverted at least once a day! ;)”
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