Fact or myth: static stretching is essential for runners. The notion of static stretching is ingrained for many runners; however, research and practice indicate that static stretching may not be as beneficial as we once believed - and could even be detrimental for runners in some circumstances. Static stretching lengthens the muscle to the point of tension and then holds, without any movement, for 15 seconds or more. Static stretches often isolate a single muscle group. The goal of ...
stretching
Dynamic Stretches for Runners + Pre-Run Warm Up Routine
What’s your pre-run routine like? Do you have a cup of coffee and a small carbohydrate-based snack, lace up your running shoes, and stretch your muscles to loosen them up? If you are doing static stretching before your runs, you may want alter your routine. Static stretching before a run can increase your risk of injury and dampen your running performance. ...
A Short and Simple Guide to Yoga for Runners
One thing you quickly learn when you start running is that running can require more than just running. Running puts a lot of stress on our bodies and can tighten our muscles, limit our flexibility, and cause muscle soreness. Additionally, running exacerbates any existing muscular imbalances and weaknesses, which can put you at a higher risk of running-related injuries. Clearly, though, the answer is not to cut back on running. Rather, to improve mobility, balance out your muscles, and ...
My Favorite Post Run Stretches
Let's be realistic about stretching: it's one of those things that's easy to forget to do. It's like remembering to put on eye cream after washing my face at night or putting on sunscreen before a long run: there's lots of benefits for just a little effort and time, and yet somehow it's easy to skip it over. Honestly, whenever I skip stretching after a run, it's because I just want to shower and eat. Especially after a long run or hard workout, I usually regret not stretching the ...