Exercise is a science. Like nutrition, guidelines are always changing as our studies discover new and better techniques. This is why I don’t like to publicly proclaim that I follow any strict diet or one fitness trend. I feel it is perfectly fine to change your beliefs. Stretching is one of those topics that has recently seen changes to its typical protocol.
What To Do:
You want to warm up before any moderate or intense activity, but how you warm up should mimic the movements you are about to perform. If you are going for a light jog, slowly warm up at a moderate to easy intensity. Pick up the pace later once you feel ready.
Below are my top 3 favorite stretches to do before or while warming up for a run. They help loosen up my lower body after a light 5 minute jog. It takes me about a mile to run over to my favorite path so I usually do these moves while waiting for a traffic light signal to change.
In this video I am wearing my favorite fall running jacket, Beyond The Run by Adidas, as well as the Adidas Energy Boost 2.0 and Performer Tights.
The top 3 moves include a walking a lunge, forward leg swings and standing glute stretch. To see how to do them and learn more about their benefits watch the video above.
As a side note, I did not get injured once during my marathon training thanks to these moves, a good plan from my coach and minimal foam rolling. Wouldn’t hurt to try, right?
Great advice! I’ve seen a lot of stuff about stretching prior to running lately. I’ve never really put much thought into it, but I’ll definitely give this a shot. It takes a little less than a mile to get to my favorite running spot, so I could definitely work these in.
Good stretching and foam rolling/SMR work is a must! Thanks for the video.
great advice, thanks! Can you tell me what your favorite stretches are for after runs. I love your jacket too!
I am not really a fan of stretching before running, but these are gentle enough that they would be okay. I do dynamic warm up exercises before I run, and I find they help my body wake up a lot. Love the video by the way 🙂
Great video! I love love love figure-4 stretch 🙂
Wow great advice. If only I could do those….LOL!
I’ve always thought it was better to save stretching for after running, but lately my runs have been starting with my hamstrings feeling SO tight. I think just a little would go a long way. I will definitely be giving these a shot! 🙂
I think this is a great article also. I forget sometimes and realize I really should do this before walking.
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