5 Stretches You Should Do Before Running
If you’re training for a marathon or half marathon (or simply trying to ease the lower back pain that often comes with weekly runs), chances are you could use some stretching right about now. Not only will stretching help prevent injury, but it can also help improve your runs as you begin to work out some of the built-up knots and tension points in your body. To discover exactly what stretches work best for runners, we turned to C9 Champion brand ambassador, CosmoBody channel fitness expert, and author of The 30 Second Body: Eat Clean. Train Dirty. Live Hard., Adam Rosante. Here’s a look at his picks for the best stretches to loosen up the tight areas that often come from running.
1. Standing Quads
Source: Adam Rosante
2. Standing Hammies
Source: Adam Rosante
3. Hanging Calves
Source: Adam Rosante
4. Seated Spinal Twist
Source: Adam Rosante
5. Lunge Lizard
Source: Adam Rosante
Step your right foot forward and lower into a deep lunge, placing both hands on the floor on the inside of your right foot. Reach up tall through your torso and gently lower your back knee to the floor, pointing the toes backward. Take hold of the right foot with the right hand and press your right elbow into your right shin to open the hip a bit more as you turn through the torso to look to the left. Hold for five slow, deep breaths. Repeat on the opposite side.