International Yoga Day 2024: Parallels Between Yoga & Motorcycling

International Yoga Day might conjure images of serene poses and flowing meditation, while motorcycle racing evokes ideas of speed, adrenaline, and leather-clad daredevils. But look a little closer, and you'll see how yoga and motorcycle racing come very close; cultivating focus, mindfulness, and a deep connection between mind and body in surprisingly similar ways. Despite their outward differences – the stillness of the yoga mat versus the high-octane world of the racetrack – both disciplines require a deep understanding of how the mind and body work together.

Finding Balance

Both yoga and motorcycle racing demand an acute sense of balance. On the mat, mastering balancing postures like Vrikshasana (Tree Pose) requires a constant micro-adjustment. Keeping the body centred and stable is crucial. This translates directly to the racetrack, where riders rely on a delicate balance between speed and control, constantly shifting their weight to navigate corners and curves.

Focus

Focus is paramount in both disciplines. In yoga, maintaining concentration during challenging poses like Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward-Facing Dog) requires shutting out distractions and holding the mind steady. A wandering mind can lead to wobbly poses and even injuries. Similarly, racetrack riders cultivate a similar level of concentration. Rider’s focus narrows to a singular point, the perfect line, the upcoming turn, and the minuscule adjustments needed to shave off precious milliseconds. It's a state of hyper-awareness where everything else fades away, and only the rider, the bike, and the track remain.

Core Strength

Yoga places a strong emphasis on core strength, the body's powerhouse. A strong core stabilises the spine, improves balance, and transfers power efficiently through the body – all crucial aspects of yoga practice. Likewise, motorcycle racers rely heavily on core strength to move. Most of the turning on a motorcycle is done with the lower part of the body and a strong core is needed to enable that. A strong core translates to better control, sharper reflexes, and smoother handling on the track.

Finding Calm in the Chaos

Despite the different outward appearances, both yoga and motorcycle racing can be incredibly meditative practices. Yoga cultivates inner peace and a sense of calm through focused breathing and mindful movement. Racetrack riders, while seemingly in a state of high intensity, often describe a zone-like state of flow, where extraneous thoughts fade away and focus narrows to the present moment, the bike, and the track. This mental state of intense concentration and present-moment awareness mirrors the meditative state achieved in yoga. It's a state where worries about past mistakes or anxieties about future performance melt away. The rider becomes one with the machine. Their senses heighten to listen to the feedback from the bike and the racetrack.

Flexibility

Flexibility is often associated with yoga, but it's just as important for a motorcycle racer. A flexible body allows for better manoeuvrability on the bike, enabling riders to shift their weight more effectively. This also lets them adapt to the constant changes in terrain if they are riding a supermoto track. However, achieving the seemingly effortless "hanging off" posture seen in motorcycle racing is no easy feat. It puts a lot of strain on the thighs, particularly the adductors (inner thigh muscles) and hip flexors. These muscles are responsible for holding the rider's leg out, counterbalancing the point of maximum grip and the inertial force of making that turn. Yoga postures that target these muscle groups, such as Virabhadrasana (Warrior Pose) variations and Hanumanasana (Monkey Pose) variations, can help improve a racer's flexibility and endurance in this demanding position.

Breath Control

Both yoga and motorcycle racing emphasise the importance of breath control. In yoga, controlled breathing (pranayama) helps regulate emotions, maintain focus, and optimise oxygen intake for optimal performance. Racetrack riders intuitively control their breathing during high-exertion moments, ensuring a steady flow of oxygen for peak physical performance and maintaining focus under pressure.

So, this International Yoga Day, take a moment to appreciate the unexpected connections between the seemingly disparate worlds of yoga and motorcycle racing. After all, whether on the mat or the racetrack, the pursuit of balance, focus, and inner control unites them both.