| Let’s look at how Ryan Giggs and Roy Keane use Yoga to stay fit and flexible. Roy Keane – the former Manchester United star – said when he first started practicing Yoga three years ago, he was physically exhausted after the Yoga classes. Yes, Keane is the last soccer player you’d ever expect to be doing Yoga.
Keane’s image is that of a hard man, a tough tackler, a tireless worker and fierce competitor, not someone who does Yoga. You just don’t really think of Keane rolling out a Yoga mat and trying to stand on his head. Can you picture Roy Keane meditating in a Yoga pose? Can you picture Keane doing a downward dog? Giggs seems like he has the composure to do Yoga though…
But Keane now says he’s joined by Ryan Giggs and David Bellion in the regular sessions organized by Old Trafford’s physio. And Keane, who has been riddled with injuries during this time with Manchester United, sees a huge difference in his body and recovery after English Premier League games. Here’s Giggs going through a Yoga routine – who’s still scoring goals for Manchester United as he gets closer to age 40. “There are benefits. You loosen the muscle and take pressure off your joints,” Keane said. As well as team training and yoga, he sticks to a strict diet – salads are one of his favorites. Keane said yoga helps loosen his joints and keep him fit. Giggs told The Sunday Tims back in 2008 how Yoga has helped him: “It tests parts of your body that you just don’t use in football. The first time I did it, about five years ago, I was completely knackered. I went home from the training ground and slept for three hours in the afternoon. I actually dreaded yoga for the first year because it made muscles I didn’t know I had ache, although I know some of the lads think it’s really a bit soft.” Patrice Evra told SkySports he was amazed how Giggs maintains his speed: “He must stop talking about his yoga. He says it makes him run faster. I will have to sign up immediately! He is 37, he still runs more than almost anyone else on the pitch and he makes a difference. It is really impressive — he is a legend and an example to follow.” Yoga is an ancient Indian practice, dating back to 2500 BC. It is a scientific system designed to bring better health and happiness to those who practice it. In Yoga, both the body and mind are exercised. And the focus is on stretching, postures, breathing, and meditation. And here’s Giggs going through a Yoga routine: Make sure you check out the new movie about Ryan Giggs: Life of Ryan Giggs “A film that follows Ryan Giggs through the 2013/14 Premiership season, as the greatest ever Manchester Utd player became the clubs manager and allowed unprecedented access behind the scenes at Old Trafford.” |
Ryan Giggs & Roy Keane: Yoga and Soccer
