5 Key Stretches For Runners

Stretch 1: Upper Calf

Stretch your arms in front of you and place both hands on a sturdy object. Stand with feet comfortably apart, toes pointing towards the wall. Put one leg back about 12 inches from the other, keeping the knee straight and your foot flat on the ground. Bend the knee of the front leg so your hips move forward and lean into your hands.

Stretch 2: Lower Calf

Adopt the same position as for the upper calf stretch. Shift the foot of your back leg forward until the toes are just behind the heel of the front leg. Keep both heels on the ground with toes pointing forward. Lower your hips by bending both knees.

Stretch 3: Front of Thigh

Stand near a wall, bench or a post and put one hand on it for balance. Grasp your ankle or foot with the other hand. Keep your upper body straight and pull your heel up towards your buttock. The knee of the leg you are bending should point towards the ground. If you are able to touch your buttock with the heel of the foot, gently extend the hip by moving the knee backwards.

Stretch 4: Front of Thigh

Place one foot up on a low surface about knee high with your hands on the thigh. Keep the knee of this leg straight with the toes pointing forward. Bend forward from the hips – not the waist. Keep your lower back flat by bringing your chest towards your knee rather than your head.

Stretch 5: Hips/Buttocks

From the back thigh stretch position, bend your front knee so that your foot is now on the edge of the surface. Hands on hips, lean slightly forward over the bent leg. Keep the leg you are standing on straight.

The benefits of running:

• Improves the health of your heart and lungs
• Increases your energy levels
• Reduces your stress levels
• Tones and strengthens your leg and hip muscles
• Improves your bone density (reducing the risk of osteoporosis)

Additional tips:

• Never stretch a cold muscle
• Hold each stretch for 30 seconds
• Repeat twice on each side
• Don’t overstretch – be comfortable
• Don’t bounce when stretching