No matter if you’re new to running on commercial treadmills or have been an avid runner for years, nothing is worse than sustaining an injury and not being able to exercise while it heals. Warming up is often overlooked because people are anxious to get to the meat of their workout, but without pre-cardio stretches, the risk of injury increases.
Jumping right into a run with cold muscles before your body and mind have had time to prepare can actually do more harm than good, but performing just five minutes of dynamic stretching helps you stay injury-free and can actually help you enjoy a better, more effective session on the commercial fitness equipment. Focusing on the legs and core – specifically the quads, hamstrings, calves, and hip flexors – will help you get that great run you’re after.
Pre-Run Stretches To Try – Walking Lunges: Lunges can help create heat in your quads and hip flexors, and they simulate the motion of running. This makes them a very useful stretching exercise. The movement also starts to warm up your whole body, preparing your heart rate to increase. To do walking lunges:
Hip Circles: Hip muscles can really tighten up and cause problems when running, so it’s important to open up the joints and loosen up your hips before hitting the treadmill. Hip circles are an easy movement that activates your core muscles and prepares your hips for your run. To do hip circles:
Calf Raises: The lower half of your legs need attention, too, and it’s important to prepare your calves for the impact of your feet hitting the treadmill belt. To do calf raises:
If you have any questions about why doing pre-run or cardio stretches are important please let us know.