Millis Girls Crank Up the Heat!

While winter is in full swing and the temperatures drop outside, the girls track team has been cranking up the heat - quite literally! To stay in shape and add variation to the daily workouts, Coach Conner has set up private hot yoga classes for the team. Over winter break the team attended their first two classes just down the road at H.Y.P Studio in Medfield.

These private classes take place in a heated room that reaches temperatures up to 95 degrees with 65% humidity. The team spends a rigorous hour practicing vinyasa flow which requires a number of different poses and constant movement. Adding the element of heat to yoga helps athletes to reach a deeper stretch. Coach believes there is a great benefit in adding yoga to the workouts, not only physically but mentally as well: "Yoga is a powerful tool for runners. I feel that my team is able to learn breathing techniques, focus, and perseverance through the practice of yoga - all of which they can apply to their running. I think these classes are going to give them the extra 'edge' that they may need to push through a race."

The team has been extremely excited about this unique cross training opportunity. Kendall Hyyti, the team manager attended the last session to take some photos and said: "It looked very fun and relaxing. It's a great opportunity as well because many other sports teams don't get to do things like that. I also think its great that Coach participates with us. It is encouraging and not all coaches would do that." April O'Connell, one of the team captains describes her experience as "a great opportunity to work on flexibility." As the season goes on some runners struggle with injury the yoga has helped in the prevention aspect. "I feel more flexible, stronger and healthier," said April. 

The yoga classes have also added a different dynamic to the team this season. During daily practices, runners are split into groups of sprinters and distance and have workouts based on their events. Bianca Williams, a distance runner said: "hot yoga allows us to come together as a team in a different environment than we're used to. It's hard to have team bonding because everyone participates in different events and we are split up during practice so doing yoga together is definitely a place where we can focus on our workout but come together as a team." The girls are looking forward to their next next yoga class this week!

Downward Facing Dog

Upward Facing Dog

Warrior

Everyone drenched when we were finished...

Kendall having some fun!