I remember players like Giggs and Scholes swearing by yoga as why they were able to play so long. If there's any correlation, my muscles are so tight I'll probably have to retire right out of high school. Does anyone have a soccer specific routine that they would recommend? Pictures/videos/detailed descriptions are appreciated.
I'm in my mid 30s now and after recent injuries my physio put me in anstetching routine as partners f recovery. I told my friend who is a fitness trainer and she said all the stretching was based in yoga. I looked more into it and she was right. There's a lot of stigma about yoga but it can actually help your r game as it works on your core and stability and balance.
I see this was posted years ago, but I just came across it. This is a full article that provides a ton of info for you to get into yoga: http://builtbyyoga.com/yoga-for-soccer-players It includes a 20-minute video class you can use anywhere.
Yoga is great for the mind of a footballer and helps improve flexibility to a certain extent, however it is not the most efficient way to improve the dynamic mobility and robustness needed in soccer. Loaded progressive stretching, PNF contract-relax, and dynamic stretching give the most bang for the buck.
My choice for stretching is Active Isolated Stretching by Aaron Mattes, all the stretches are held for 2 seconds with very light pressure ~ 2lbs applied. The static stretch isn't all bad, if it is used in the right scenario, ie at the end of a workout, where it will turn the muscles off neurologically.
When saying about Giggzy or Paul, I am sure they were practicing yoga. When I remind about the goals they scored and passes they delivered, it's obvious that was something out if this world, ha-ha... I am also thinking about implementation of the yoga in my life. It would easily help me to deal with all that stress. To be honest, I am thinking about visiting yoga retreat costa rica in the nearest future. When I imagine lying somewhere on the ocean shore and meditating, it just flies me away...