Runners Need To Stretch!

Stretching can be neglected and with runners, this is the worst thing you can do to your muscles.
Every stride running delivers hundreds of pounds of pressure to your lower body. This constant impact causes the muscle to shorten and tighten. A tight lower body can cause future problems in your hips, knees, feet and back. It also causes inflexibility and a limited range of motion that can lead to injuries on and off the road.

After a run be sure to stretch your lower body out fully. Include everything; the hamstrings, quadriceps, glutes, inner thigh, hips, calves and even the bottom of your feet.

Take 10 minutes at the end of every run to perform standing and seated stretches. Hold each stretch anywhere from 10-30 seconds and try to repeat each one 2 or 3 times.

I also suggest that runners take a yoga class at least once a week for a deep and relaxing full body stretch.

It may be a little boring and if you are short on time the run might have to be shortened but it's worth it. A limber and flexible body makes you feel healthy, energetic and will keep you running for years to come, injury free.

Stretch!

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