pre-run stretchin

[Slowjogger1952]

I’m after advice on stretches I should do prior to running. Thanks in anticipation.

[BridgeGirl Administrator 2 stone]

Hi, I suggest you'll get the most helpful responses from one of the running forums such as Couch to 5k healthunlocked.com/couchto5k or Bridge to 10k healthunlocked.com/bridgeto10k

If you're also on a weight loss journey, just let us know and we'll give you an introduction to how the forum works

[Sharmian350 Restart April 2024]

I always warm up, it gets the body ready for more intense activity and allows you to take note of any sore bits or strains (which you might have to factor in). I like something functional, using the muscles I will use later, this works better for me than stretching alone, and stretching on cold muscles can be counter productive anyway.

A brisk five min walk, arm, neck and shoulder rolls, ankle and hip rolls work well as do inch worms, unless you get a bit woozy with an inverted exercise.

if you, like me, are a slow jogger, I would just start out with some simple arm ankle rolls (may be some gentle hip rolls or squats) and then a brisk walk before setting out on a run.

hope this helps

[Sharmian350 Restart April 2024]

Also, if look at the fit is fun post on this site. Lots of experienced and active people on there.

[Frenchfields 2024 January]

I usually start with a warm up walk, and do lots of arm rotations as I go. or some gentle rowing, some people I know do 10 min on ex bike.Then a full height mindful body stretch with arms up - a bit like a really big yawn-stretch. Then a few ’dummy runs’ knees slightly bent and run hard on the spot while pumping your arms as if you were running fast for about 5 or 10 steps . Then I run -I don’t do any standing stretches until afterwards - I am with those who say don’t stretch cold muscles, but others will have their own views on this I’m sure ( as runners often do 🤣).

[focused1 Maintainer 13kg]

Try You Tube too. Loads of short stretching videos for pre running but also a good therapeutic work out on those days you don’t run .