Just walking for warm up, or also stretching?

[Oliverunner]

Hi folks, I’m back after a bit of break and kicking myself for not doing it sooner. Just wanted to ask how many of you stretch before running? I seem to remember advice to walk to warm up then stretch after the run (which I’ve been doing) but I keep seeing ‘dynamic stretching’ cropping up all over the place? What works best for you? Xxx

[Instructor57 Graduate]

Personally I always do the Dynamic warm up as referred to in the programme guide.

Followed by a 5 minute warm up walk .

This may help .

runnersworld.com/uk/trainin...

[Cmoi Graduate]

Hi Oliverunner , it's nearly two years since I completed C25K and nowadays I warm up with dynamic stretches rather than a walk, though occasionally I do both. For me it's down to personal preference, not a question of one being better than the other. Btw, dynamic stretches are for before your run, static stretches for after.

Happy return to C25K!

[Frenc Graduate]

Dynamic stretching plus a 5 minute warm up walk for me. I throw some strange shapes for about five minutes then I head out the door. It really helps! 😊

[Oliverunner]

Thanks so much for the replies!!! Forgive my ignorance but a dynamic stretch is one where you love through it? Xx

[John_W Graduate Ambassador in reply to Oliverunner]

Have a look at the Runners World link post in the reply above - that will explain everything.

[Reggiegirl Graduate]

Hi Oliverunner. I do the same as Frenc dynamic stretches and 5 min warm up walk! And yes dynamic stretches are where you move through them. Happy running 🏃‍♀️

[Hidden]

Hi Oliverunner

I used to do 5 min warm up and always stretch after my run. I then added dynamic stretches + warm up walk and stretch after and this combo works well for me, my experience has been that by adding the dynamic stretches before my run I no longer get the 'toxic 10'

I have also added in 1 yoga class a week and that has really helped my body in terms of flexibility.

Good luck and happy running 🙂

[grumpyoldgirl Graduate]

Hi Olive, I'm another one who does dynamic and walk before, static after. I'm much less likely to get niggles when I do the lot (and like somebody else mentioned, toxic ten). Doesn't seem to matter if I do walk then stretch or vice versa, but it's just easier to do stretches first inside the front door, then start the app off, open the door and start walking!

[Roxdog Graduate]

I do dynamic stretches and also the warm up walk. I didn't always do the dynamic stretching, but since building that in, I seem to be less prone to injury 🙏

[Yesletsgo Graduate]

I do my dynamic stretches as I make coffee and drink beetroot juice and lots of water before my run. I rotate my hips, swing my legs and stretch my ankles and also balance for a minute on each leg. I'll then walk briskly for 5-10 minutes and I'm good to go. It's all part of my routine/ritual. I've been doing this since early c25k and occasionally add stuff but as it's all done pre breakfast I'm not too ambitious!