Almost everything that I post on the site, are things Read more →
The Essential Post Run Stretching Routine
Maintaining a good level of flexibility is important for our overall fitness and health.
It doesn’t matter how far we can run, or how much weight we lose.
If we end up not being able to touch our toes, I am sure that we would feel that we’d missed out on something.
If you are already running regularly and clocking up a couple of hours a week of run time, then you should definitely be including these basic stretches and more.
If you are on the first stage of the beginners running plan, then it is time to start incorporating some stretching now and keep it up, after each session.
Maintaining Flexibility
As I have mentioned before, regular training causes gradual adaption in the body, increasing your strength and fitness.
Your muscles and tendons, especially in your legs will strengthen and tighten. Unfortunately, also making you less flexible at the same time.
So it is important to get into a good stretching habit to counteract this, as maintaining and eventually improving your flexibility is gradual process.
There are a wide range of stretches that you can use with the same basic stretching technique.
Each stretch targets a certain muscle groups in a different way.
As we are running it is essential to target the main muscle groups in the legs first.
Essential Post Run Stretching Routine
I use the folowing routine after every run.
Even if I go on to do more stretching afterwards, I always complete this basic routine first.
It is handy and it is easy to complete outside, while still in your running gear, whilst maintaining some dignity and not having to lie down on the ground(!).
Do the stretched in the following sequence, from left to right.
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
Here you are stretching the following muscle groups in order:
So why the repetition? Anyone who has done any weight training in the past will tell you of the importance of keeping balance in opposing muscle groups.
The same principle is applies in stretching and flexibility, you should try and keep opposing muscles groups balanced.
In this sequence, by stretching opposing muscles groups in alternation you can get a better and deeper stretch when you go back to the muscle group for the second time.
This little sequence lets you do some deeper stretching of the Quads and Hamstrings on a regular basis, which is so important for touching your toes and avoiding some common running injuries.
Get the Beginners Running Plan via e-mail.
Sign up to get the training plan delivered direct to your inbox:
- Training Plan Articles
- Running Tips
- Motivation Boosters
- and more
It's all completely free and you're more likely to stick with the plan.
I respect your privacy and will never pass on your e-mail to anyone else.
No related posts.
