Although many people do not find value in exercises like yoga and tai chi, different studies and researchers support the fact that it plays an important role in our health. One doesn’t need to only do yoga, if you enjoy doing other exercises or sports, you can include yoga as an recovery routine like many weightlifters do. Weightlifting is a very tough sport that needs a lot of hard work, practice, strength, and good form. There are many common ways to train for it. But did you know some things that seem unrelated to lifting can actually make you better? One of these surprising helpers is yoga. Weightlifting and Yoga According to the USA Weightlifting, yoga helps make different muscles stronger, including ones you might not always use when lifting. It strengthens them gently, which can help you avoid injuries. Building all your muscles safely can make you a better lifter overall. Since it involves lots of stretches that make your muscles loose, strong, and stable. This helps prevent injuries, cramps, and other problems that come with intense exercise. Yoga can also help your body heal after your weightlifting workouts. It helps your muscles and joints recover by reducing swelling and gently working muscles without putting too much strain on them. Here are some poses you can try. Cat/Cow Pose This gentle movement helps warm up your spine and release tension in your back. Start on your hands and knees. Arch your back as you breathe in, dropping your belly (Cow). Then, round your spine as you breathe out, pulling your navel in (Cat). This flows with your breath to loosen your spine. Downward-Facing Dog Pose This pose stretches your whole body, especially your hamstrings, calves, and shoulders. From hands and knees, lift your hips high, forming an inverted V-shape. Press your palms and heels towards the floor. This lengthens your hamstrings and calves, stretching out muscles worked during lifting. Seated or Reclined Pigeon Excellent for opening up tight hips and glutes, which can get very stiff from squats and deadlifts. Sit with one knee bent forward, shin somewhat parallel to the mat, and the other leg stretched back. Or, lie on your back, crossing one ankle over the opposite knee. This deeply opens tight hip muscles. Bridge Pose Bridge pose gently strengthens your glutes and hamstrings while stretching your chest and spine. Lie on your back, knees bent, feet flat near your glutes. Lift your hips toward the ceiling, engaging your glutes. This strengthens your glutes and stretches your chest, countering lifting posture. Happy Baby Pose This pose offers a deep stretch for your hips, inner thighs, and lower back. Lie on your back and hug your knees towards your chest. Grab the outsides of your feet, pulling your knees towards your armpits. This gently opens your hips and releases tension in your lower back. Reclined Twist A gentle twist helps release tension in your spine and lower back, improving flexibility and aiding digestion. Lie on your back, extend arms to the sides. Let your bent knees fall to one side, keeping shoulders down. This gentle twist helps release stiffness in your spine and lower back, aiding relaxation. Legs Up the Wall Pose This restorative pose helps reduce swelling in your legs and feet by draining stagnant blood. Sit with one hip next to a wall, then swing your legs up the wall as you lie back. Keep your legs straight against the wall. This pose helps drain blood from tired legs, calming your body.