Stretching for runners during warm-up and cool-down
During the current lockdown period, you may have more time for stretching before and after your run and there may even be time to dedicate a full session to increasing flexibility with Yoga or Pilates techniques. Those who do this regularly will vouch for how it can lift mood and give a feeling of lightness as muscles move more freely.
For those just starting out as a runner, it is important to know about key warm-up and stretching routines to help you steer clear of injuries.
During warm up, your heart and lungs along with muscles and joints, will be primed for the exercise in hand and, once you have completed the main part of your training session, a wind down of intensity and stretching the muscles will counteract the repetitive shortening actions involved in your run.
The tips on the links below will help you plan your warm up and cool down routines.