Running Season!

The weather is getting nicer! This means it’s time to get outside and get active.

Running is not only good for your health, it’s fun! Keep in mind if you are a novice or an experienced athlete performance improvements and prevention of running injuries is of uttermost importance.

You should perform calisthenics, followed by a light jog to get a feel for your body form, breathing pattern, and explore any tension you might be carrying on your shoulders and legs.

The big question is – “When shall one stretch, Before or After jogging? “

The research supports the believe that stretching after is meaningful for prevention of Delayed Onset of Muscle Soreness (DOMS) and supports improving the tendons, muscles, and joint’s physiological function.

Stretching after your workout is beneficial by first slowing down your breathing and heart rate and bringing the mind and body back to it’s resting state. Static Stretching is beneficial for increasing ROM while Dynamic stretching will improve power and performance for high impact activities such as running and vertical jumping. Alternative options for post workout stretching are activities like Yoga or Pilates.

After running one should consider holding 30 seconds stretches for each of the major muscle groups such as Hip Rotators & Flexors muscle groups stretches, Hamstring &Calf muscle groups Stretches, Long group of back muscles Stretch and Chest muscle stretch .

Remember to breathe throughout during stretching.

Happy Running Season!!!