Running Prevention Stretches

Running is an excellent form of exercise, but it can also be hard on your body. Many runners experience injuries, such as knee pain, shin splints, and IT band syndrome. However, there are several stretches that you can do to help prevent these injuries from occurring. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the best stretches to prevent running injuries.

Calf Stretches – The calves are one of the most common areas for running injuries to occur. To stretch your calves, stand facing a wall with your hands on the wall at shoulder height. Place one foot in front of the other, and slowly bend your front knee while keeping your back leg straight. You should feel a stretch in the back of your calf. Hold the stretch for 15-30 seconds and then switch legs.

Hip Flexor Stretches – The hip flexors are a group of muscles that connect your hip bone to your thigh bone. They are important for running because they help to lift your leg forward. To stretch your hip flexors, start in a lunge position with one knee on the ground.  Slowly shift your weight forward until you feel a stretch in the front of your hip. Hold the stretch for 15-30 seconds and then switch legs.

Hamstring Stretches – The hamstrings are located on the back of your thigh and are responsible for bending your knee. To stretch your hamstrings, sit on the ground with your legs extended in front of you. Reach forward and try to touch your toes. Hold the stretch for 15-30 seconds.

IT Band Stretches – The IT band is a thick band of tissue that runs along the outside of your thigh. It can become tight and cause pain on the outside of your knee. To stretch your IT band, cross one foot over the other and reach your arm over your head.