What do Shaquille O'Neal, Lebron James, Ray Lewis, Mike Krzyzewski, and Kevin Garnett have in common? They all practice yoga on a regular basis. The Denver Nuggets, New York Giants, and Philadelphia Eagles all have yoga instructors on staff. (And those are just the ones I can remember off the top of my head.)
"Yoga helps me calm down and helps me center my energy so I'm balanced instead of going out there and just spreading my energy all over the court,” Boston Celtics forward Kevin Garnett is quoted as saying. And Garnett has some serious energy! “I'm zeroed in on the game and have my mind set on what I need to do." Garnett has been practicing yoga since 1995.
Slideshow Courtesy of Google Images
Beyond Downward Dog: The Rise of Yoga in the NBA and Other Pro Sports (Sarah Toland)
Why Every Athlete Should Do Yoga (Rich Roll)
Pro Athletes Turn To Yoga: Joe Johnson, Torrey Smith Tout Practice's Benefits (Jordan Schultz)