I’ll admit it… stretching is probably one of those things many of us know we should do, but somehow it’s very easy to finish a run, head home and think, “I’ll stretch later.”
And then later never comes! 😂
But whether you’re a regular runner, just getting started, or simply enjoy being active, giving your body a little time to stretch and recover really is worth it.
Before you run, think movement
Before heading out, your body benefits from getting warm and moving rather than diving straight into static stretches. A few minutes of gentle movement, walking, leg swings or dynamic exercises can help get your muscles ready for what’s coming.
And you don’t need a complicated warm-up routine. The aim is simply to gradually get your body moving and your heart rate up.
After your run, take five
Once you’ve finished your run, this is a great time to spend a few minutes gently stretching.
Your muscles have worked hard, and some gentle stretching can feel lovely after you’ve been pounding the pavements or trails. Focus on the major muscle groups you’ve used, particularly your calves, hamstrings, quads and hips.
You don’t need to spend half an hour doing it either. Even five minutes is better than nothing.
And as we get older…
I’m definitely becoming more aware of the importance of mobility and looking after my body as I get older. We might not bounce back quite as quickly as we did in our twenties (sadly!), so giving our bodies a little extra care can make a big difference.
Stretching shouldn’t be painful. Keep it gentle, breathe, and listen to your body.
So next time you finish your run, resist the temptation to immediately grab the coffee, head for the shower and call it a day.
Give yourself five minutes.
Your future self and your legs might just thank you for it! 🏃♀️💕