Yoga has many health benefits. For a beginner, it is daunting to know where to begin. For police officers interested in yoga, tactical yoga is a clear choice. Tactical yoga, or Tactical Movement for First Responders, is yoga designed for police officers and other emergency workers.
What Are the Benefits of Tactical Yoga?
Regularly stretching muscles and ligaments through tactical yoga helps build strength and prevent injury. A police officer’s job is particularly taxing because it combines prolonged amounts of sitting with sudden explosive movement. Tactical yoga helps release tension caused by a long day of sitting, especially in the hips, and limbers up the body for action.
Preparing for Tactical Yoga
You can design your tactical yoga program to fit your needs. However, you should do some research before developing a tactical yoga practice. You can look up exercises that fit the amount of time you have for movement and stretches that target areas of the body you have problems with, such as the hips. If you have chronic joint issues or pain, it might be best to talk to a doctor before picking up tactical yoga.
You may also need to switch your exercise mentality. If you’re used to explosive cardio or powerlifting, the slow, deliberate movements of yoga may seem alien. However, slow down your practice to get the full benefit of yoga.
Some Poses to Include
There are countless yoga poses that you can include, depending on your ability and the body parts you are trying to target. Common ones include the butterfly, which helps with spinal and hip mobility, and the sphinx, which targets the lower back. Some poses, such as child’s pose, are dedicated to relaxing.
A few minutes of meditation at the beginning and end of your tactical yoga practice will ensure that the benefits of your practice are mental as well as physical.
Tactical yoga is a valuable weapon in a police officer’s arsenal. It can help you manage chronic pain and perform better at work.