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Post-Run or Walk Stretching Program


We all know it’s important to stretch after a run - this is no secret! But oftentimes we try to squeeze in a little more distance and before we know it, we’re running (no pun intended) late for the next thing on our schedule for the day. This leaves us busting out a couple of runner’s stretches on the side of the house while we stare at our watch trying to strategize getting in a shower, a cup of coffee, and stopping for gas on the way to work. Too familiar? Yeah, I know, same. (We’re not perfect either.)


The fact of the matter is, having a good program for stretching after running is crucial to preventing injuries such as muscle tears and stress fractures, and enhances muscle recovery. So let’s make this simple. Here’s a quick and easy post-run stretch program. Carve out a few minutes to do this every time. Yes, every time. 


Calf Stretch

  • Stand with one foot in front, and one in back (back leg is the one being stretched); hands on a wall or something sturdy for support

  • Keep the back knee straight and the toes pointing forward

  • Lean forward until you feel a comfortable stretch in the back of the calf

  • Hold x 30 seconds and repeat 3 times

  • *You can also do this stretch with one heel off the edge of a stair to get a more intense stretch *



Hamstrings + Adductors

  • Sit with both legs out long and in a V shape

  • You can lean your body forward toward the middle OR reach to one leg at a time

  • Comfortable stretch should be felt in the back and inside of the thigh(s)

  • Hold x 30 seconds and repeat 3 times



Quads

  • Standing, bend the knee and grasp the foot behind you

  • Comfortable stretch should be felt in the front of the thigh

  • Can hold onto something sturdy for balance, if need

  • Hold x 30 seconds and repeat 3 times



Hip Flexors

  • In a lunge position, lean your weight forward so you feel a comfortable stretch in the front of the hip and thigh on the kneeling side

  • It’s important to push your hip forward on the kneeling side

  • Add in an overhead reach to the side for a deeper stretch

  • Hold x 30 seconds and repeat 3 times on each leg



Glutes

  • With one leg stretched out long in front of you, bend one knee and cross the leg over

  • Give the bent knee a hug and twist a bit

  • Comfortable stretch in the back of the hip

  • Hold x 30 seconds and repeat 3 times on each leg


Thoracic Spine Rotation

  • In hands and knees position, reach one arm under the other

  • Take slow, deep breaths

  • Comfortable stretching in the mid back region

  • Hold x 2 - 3 deep breaths and repeat 3 - 5 times on each side

  • Also check out cat and camel from our previous post!


Carve out the ten minutes for yourself to prevent injury and get you moving on to your next workout at your best health! If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at BHPT. We’re here for you.


(Exercise demo photos from MedBridge Education)

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