Yoga and Gaming: Poses For A Seamless Gaming Experience

Did you know that you are at risk of getting shoulder, neck and back strains from poor posture? To add to the list of injuries that comes with gaming, tendonitis is amongst the most common ones due to long hours of exerting gaming.

With the help of yoga, we’re here to guide you towards lowering your risk of injuries through 4 basic yoga poses that are excellent in targeting location-specific muscles for an enhanced gaming experience. Additionally, medical professionals at the Cleveland clinic recommend gamers to get up at least every 2-hours interval to engage in some form of exercise or stretching activities for better posture and improved blood circulation.

1. Downward Dog Pose

This pose is the perfect yoga pose to observe and correct your posture and body imbalance as it makes use of your arms and legs to fully stretch out your spine. It consists of a 2-step movement involving lifting your arms over your head out at a right angle towards your torso. You may gradually increase the difficulty as you combine these motions and try to keep them upside down against gravity. It is advisable to practice Downward Dog for a minute or two before returning to your game.

2. Reverse Prayer Stretch

Also known as the Phalen’s test. This yoga technique is used as a method to diagnose Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) and involves the movements of flexing both wrists and placing the backs of your hands together at chest level. Then, for up to one minute, push your hands firmly together (from your knuckles to your fingers).

Disclaimer note: Stop this stretch if you experience any pain or discomfort along the insides of your wrist and consult a doctor immediately.

3. Side Thumb Stretch

In an attempt to prevent Gamer’s thumb, an ailment caused by repeated stress that causes inflammation and irritation of the tendons. Start by extending your arms out in front of you, palms facing each other, to do the Side Thumb Stretch. Then, fold your fingers over the thumb after tucking your thumbs into your palms. Press your little finger on the ground until the base of your thumb stretches, then release.

4. Warrior Pose

The Yogi-certified pose for relieving gaming fatigue, and freeing you from the chains of exhaustion and emotional stress. The warrior pose improves overall focus, balance and stability while providing the body with renewed energy in accordance with Harmony Yoga. It also promotes increased foot flexibility, strength and range of motion, as well as improved circulation by warming all of the muscles.

Having troubles doing these yoga poses alone? Feel free to join our bi-weekly yoga community classes with exceptional instructors to guide you through all the necessary steps in achieving your yoga goals to combat potential gaming injuries today.