Sports yoga coach Ieva Stocka has been leading yoga sessions for HK Kurbads hockey players for the second consecutive season. These sessions have become an integral part of the team’s training, offering players much more than just physical flexibility and strength. Ieva explains how yoga benefits athletes both physically and mentally, enhancing their performance on the ice and improving their overall well-being.
“I’m often asked – why do hockey players need yoga?” Ieva begins. “Essentially, it all starts with understanding movement. Yoga provides the ability to become more aware of one’s body in all planes and control it in different situations. During training, we closely monitor each player’s range of motion and coordination. My goal is to help them expand these abilities so they can react quickly and precisely on the ice, even in unpredictable situations.”
Hockey is a highly dynamic sport where reaction time, speed, and body control are crucial. “For example, in moments of falling or rapid movement responses, yoga helps the body remember which muscles to activate and how to release unnecessary tension. This is critical for players to endure both physical and psychological challenges,” Ieva explains.
Yoga is not just about the physical body—it also encompasses emotional and mental aspects. “Team unity is extremely important in hockey. We often discuss how to support and respect one another, both on and off the ice. Yoga helps players develop a deeper understanding of themselves and their teammates,” says Ieva. “There are internal factors within the team—relationships with coaches and teammates—as well as external influences like family and the surrounding environment. Yoga helps balance these factors, providing emotional stability and resilience.”
Health is another key aspect Ieva emphasizes. “Hockey is a sport where one side of the body is often used more than the other, which can create asymmetry. Yoga helps to balance the body, achieving symmetry and equilibrium. Our goal is for the body to be strong, flexible, and evenly developed—not just for performance on the ice but also for overall well-being in daily life.”
Ieva Stocka and HK Kurbads have developed an effective and unique approach where yoga plays a crucial role in athlete development. Both team cohesion and individual growth are fostered through yoga, promoting harmony between the body and mind—whether in the gym or on the ice.
