Runners are always hearing about the benefits of stretching before and after running. After completing a run your muscles have increased blood flow and are more pliable so you will be better able to relax into a stretch and feel the muscles lengthening without the risk of injury that you get from trying to stretch cold muscles before running. This will enable you to increase your flexibility and and range of motion. This increased flexibility can lead to an increase in agility, speed and muscle strength.
Ask most runners if they stretch after running and they will look at you and laugh, even though they are aware of it’s benefits. I’ve broken down stretching into a quick 7 minute routine that I can do without even thinking about it. Since stretches should be held for at least 30 seconds I use an interval timer I downloaded on my phone. Here is a picture of the icon on my phone of the one I use, it is free in the App Store:
I perform the following stretches on both legs, holding each for 30 seconds while cooling off.
Calf Stretch
Quad Stretch
Butterfly
Seated Pretzel with Rotation
Hip Flexor
Downward Dog
Follow along with the following video to practice the routine:
Practice doing them every time you run and pretty soon you won’t ever skip your post run stretch.
For further corrective exercises to increase your running efficiency and decrease your chance of injury give me a call at 732-241-2001 or reach out through my website,