When should I stretch before the warm up walk ... - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

134,192 members159,537 posts

When should I stretch before the warm up walk or after? I have tried to keep up the stretching after my cool down walk once I get home.

Gettingfit25 profile image
6 Replies

I have completed my first run of week 2 and feel pretty good about myself. Although I definitely felt the extra 30 seconds though and I'm happy I managed to walk off my stitch a few times during the exercise.

Written by
Gettingfit25 profile image
Gettingfit25
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
6 Replies
Scarlett_K profile image
Scarlett_KGraduate

I only stretch after my runs. There's lots of conflicting evidence about whether stretching before is helpful or harmful, also conflicting evidence about stretching after. Personally I find if I don't stretch after (just 15 secs on each stretch I do) then I do get tender muscles. This was particularly noticeable when I neglected to do my 'glute' stretches one day and had a sore bum for a couple of days after!

Find what works for you, just try not to do yourself a mischief in the process :)

IannodaTruffe profile image
IannodaTruffeMentor

These stretches are a good basic starting point nhs.uk/Livewell/c25k/Pages/... I only stretch after a run apart from my tight right achilles tendon which I stretch gently before a run. If you have any asymmetries, then I have been advised that stretching before a run is a good idea. Stretching before exercise needs to be undertaken very gently as your muscles are cold.

GoogleMe profile image
GoogleMeGraduate

I don't stretch at all as part of my run session unless I have missed the walks at either end.... which I don't. Admittedly I am no athlete and I am not pushing myself to the max on my runs.

I do 5 minutes yoga when I get up every morning which involves stretching the bits that can get tight from running. I try to fit in more yoga sessions but that 5 minutes every morning seems a fixture.

misswobble profile image
misswobbleGraduate

I do them afterwards. I do the warm up and cool down walks religiously. I like to do a bit of yoga after a run as well. Did some last night too. The stretches on the NHS Livewell site, with good old Laura, are easy to do and won't take long

Windswept1 profile image
Windswept1Graduate

I do the walks and sometimes stretch afterwards depending on how the muscles feel and also do some yoga every morning. When I go to jog Scotland once a week though our 'leader' Kirsty Wade is very strict about cool down stretches and as a former Olympic runner she should know. But it is essential to do them correctly as otherwise you can do damage.

A warm-up walk followed by stretches after the run. The post-run stretches are THE most important part.

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Week 4 - Should I walk to warm down?

Hi guys! I'm about to start Week 4 of the Couch to 5K programme. I haven't listened to the audio...
esufmp profile image

When do you stop the warm up and cool down walks?

Morning all. I've had such support and advice on this forum from lovely people sp hopefully you can...
Bbq1 profile image
Graduate

Is it always necessary to do the warm up, cool down walks?

This is more for the experienced graduates. I wouldn't dream of skipping the warm up,cool down...
Saruma profile image
Graduate

FAQ POST......DO I STILL NEED TO WARM UP AND COOL DOWN?

Photo by Alora Griffiths on Unsplash The question in the title often gets asked by new C25k...
IannodaTruffe profile image
Mentor

Knee pain after my third run; normal or should I get it checked out?

I came across this community 2 days ago when I finished my third couch to 5k run and was...
DaniJayne profile image