Spirituality
8 Athletes & Entrepreneurs That Embrace Yoga as the Edge to Success
Incredibly successful athletes and entrepreneurs continue to embrace yoga as a powerful tool in gaining the mental and physical edge necessary to become a consistent top performer in the field and boardroom.
The improved mental clarity gained from their practice allows them to remain calm in the face of pressure to make the tough plays when the game is on the line, or when game changing strategic decisions need to be made.
The enhanced energy and physical strength from a regular practice provides them the level of vitality necessary to be at the top of their game through an entire season, playoffs and championships, or during the long days of building and running a thriving business.
Here are 8 phenomenally successful athletes and entrepreneurs that found a winning edge through their yoga practice.
1. Daniel Loeb
$17.5B Assets Under Management Hedge Fund
Daniel Loeb is one of the most successful hedge fund managers in history and a regular practitioner of Ashtanga Yoga. He credits yoga with the ability to quiet the fluctuations and putting the mind at ease, learning to come out of difficult positions and persevering through difficult uncomfortable moments, and making decisions that are consistent with our moral framework.
2. LeBron James
2-time NBA Champion, 4-time MVP, 2-time NBA Finals MVP, NBA Rookie of the Year
Lebron James credits his yoga practice to increasing his stamina and endurance, which is useful in his often-needed long-playing minutes.
LeBron says:
“Yoga isn’t just about the body, it’s also about the mind, and it’s a technique that has really helped me.”
3. Victor Cruz
Super Bowl Champion, Pro-Bowl, NFL record holder longest touchdown reception
Cruz became a huge proponent of yoga after the mandatory classes for all rookies in pre-season training camp. After becoming an incredible sensation his rookie year, he credited his practice with providing focus, mental toughness and stamina for those long games.
4. Aaron Rodgers
Super Bowl Champion, Super Bowl MVP, NFL MVP, 3-time Pro Bowl
Aaron Rodgers has come out and said he’ll most likely play into his 40’s thanks to his newfound love of practicing yoga. Aaron credits it with an increased amount of flexibility and sharpened mental discipline.
5. Russell Simmons
Russell Simmons started practicing twenty years ago and was immediately hooked on the presence gained from a daily yoga practice. Russell credits it with providing an increased amount of focus leading to flashes of creativity that helped him build his business empire.
6. Lionel Messi
FIFA World Player of the Year, FIFA Cup World Cup Champion
After heavy workouts throughout the day, Lionel Messi finishes his day with a power yoga routine that helps him rejuvenate his mind and provides harmony for a peaceful feeling.
7. Sergey Brin
Sergey Brin has profound enthusiasm for his yoga practice and credits it with his ability maintain semblance in his life.
8. Dwyane Wade
3-time NBA Champion, 10-time NBA All-Star, NBA Finals MVP
Dwayne Wade is such a huge proponent of yoga, he proposed to his wife on a yoga block! He is a fan of sharing the glorious physical benefits the practice of yoga has brought to his ability to perform on the court and maintain flexibility.
As yoga continues to gain prominence and become mainstream we should follow the example of the uber-successful who find mental clarity and discipline, physical stamina, energy and strength, and inner peace to gain an edge and become a top performer in our lives.