We see it WAY too often, we get out of our office chair, get changed, do light stretching and go for a run. Or worse, skip the stretching and go run. Now, will you still be able to run, yes, absolutely. Is there a huge risk for injury, not huge, but more. BUT how much are you TRULY getting out of your stretch, and how much are you losing out on your run?
According to MIT, it is better to be warmed up prior to stretching so that your core body temperature raises (approximately 8 degrees Fahrenheit). Warming up does more then just loosens stiff muscles, but when done properly, it can actually improve your specific goal performance. This will also allow you to get into your stretch deeper, in turn preparing your fibers for a better run. An improper warm-up, or no warm-up at all, can increase your risk for injury, even during your stretching.
So how should this occur?
- Slow circular movements of your joints (head rotation down to ankle rotation)
- aerobic warm up (light jog, jumping jacks, something cardio focused). Use this time to disengage from what you were doing before (work, kids, etc) and into your fitness mindset. Allow this time for you….
- stretching, both static and dynamic, focusing on your specific sport (for example, running)
- Go Run!
- Some sort of cool down. I prefer to walk it in to lower heart rate, and then some yoga focused poses to cool down.
Enjoy those miles!
Stark Health & Fitness 