Stretch Out Your Workout With Yoga

Lying on his stomach, David Roberts placed his hands shoulder-width apart and thrust his chest upward toward a clear, blue sky. Holding his torso in position, he nearly created an "L" shape with his body.

In front of him, about 30 Duke employees followed suit, contorting bodies into a "cobra pose" as well as positions with names like sphinx pose, forward fold and locust pose.

It may all sound like lots of work, but these positions make up the core of Roberts' basic yoga instruction during his "Yoga for Runners" workshops - new events hosted by LIVE FOR LIFE, Duke's employee wellness program, as part of the fall Duke Run/Walk Club.

"I'm a runner, and the classes I design are typically for issues runners face like finding greater flexibility and balance," said Roberts, a certified personal trainer and yoga instructor with Duke Recreation and Physical Education. "Runners typically have issues with tight hamstrings or their lower back, so I focus on lengthening and elongating those muscles and strengthening the core."

Three more Yoga for Runners classes are scheduled for Sept. 13 and Oct. 2 and 25. Each class is free and starts at 5:30 p.m. by the East Campus sand volleyball court, just past the entrance to campus from Broad Street. Classes run about an hour and participants are encouraged to bring their own towel or mat to lay on. Registration isn't necessary, but participants are asked to sign up for the free Run/Walk Club before participating.

In addition to teaching yoga and Pilates classes through Duke Recreation, Roberts also is a team trainer for Duke's track and field, cross country and men's soccer teams.

"Offering our yoga class is a way to help employees enhance their workout to develop good muscle balance and injury prevention," said Liz Grabosky, fitness manager for LIVE FOR LIFE. "We want to encourage new aspects to fitness regimens and show that fitness can be a holistic part of a lifestyle and not just a running or walking program."

Ann Ayars, a recruiter with Recruitment and Talent Management, was among the Duke staff that joined Roberts for the first Yoga for Runners class. She said that after attending his indoor classes at the Brodie Recreation Center for about two years, she was excited for a new experience.

"I loved the location in the shade under trees with the breeze blowing," she said. "David is an excellent instructor with just the right combination of encouragement and challenge for both experienced and novice yoga students."

Ayers will return for the next class Sept. 13, when Roberts will continue a mix of basic yoga positions.

"Participating in yoga isn't just about flexibility - it also helps with injury prevention," Roberts said. "Yoga keeps muscles long and fluid and helps you become a better athlete."