Stretch Before You Run!

Author: Shannon Miller

Running Feet

Running is a great sport to engage in … it gets your blood flowing, your heart pumping, and if you’ve ever experienced a “runner’s high,” you know just how great your body can feel while running!

Before you set your tennis shoes to the pavement, though, it’s important to get that stretching in.

Check out a couple of quick moves that you’ll be glad you made time for when your run is over:

*Note: You’ll want to loosen your muscles prior to stretching.

  • Walking in place for a couple minutes pumping your arms or taking a walk around the block,
  • then stop and stretch before you start out on your run.

Pigeon With Back BendPigeon Stretch

  • Begin in a kneeling position.  Pull front leg bent in front of you at a 90 degree angle or less depending on your flexibility and pressure on your knee.
  • Back leg extends straight behind you with top of foot on the floor.
  • Place palms on floor by knees and lift chest upward.

TIP: Focus on lifting chest up and out.  Arms are used for support not to push backward.

Kneeling Hamstring Stretch (enough said!)Kneeling Hamstring Stretch

  • Begin on knees.
  • Put your left leg forward.
  • Place your hands on upper thighs or floor (NEVER on your knee)
  • Keeping a straight back, lean forward until you feel the stretch.
  • Hold 15-30 seconds. Repeat on opposite side.

TIP: Do not round your back.  Make sure to fold forward from your hips, protecting your lower back.

One More TIP:  Stretching your muscles prior to a big run can help prevent injuries and give you that extra boost to keep going!

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