5 Warm Up Drills For Your Next Run
Runners are notorious for skipping warm ups. We completely understand that part of the appeal of running is that you can just lace up your shoes and head out the door, but if you aren’t incorporating good warm ups and cool downs along with a well-rounded strength training program you are leaving improvements on the table and potentially opening yourself up to discomfort and injury.
With training and rehab for runners, we often start with warm ups because they are simple and time efficient ways to help runners start to take care of their bodies. 5-10 minutes goes a long way.
Today, we’ll share five of our favorite warm up drills. Give these a try before your next run.
Improve Hip Extension With the Couch Stretch
Your hips have to move well if you want to run well. This is one of our favorite stretches for hip extension.
Use the Adductor Rock Back To Prime Your Hips
Get some length into your groin muscles and prepare for the single leg demands of running.
World’s Greatest Stretch To Get Your Whole Body Moving
If you only have time for one warm up drill, this is a great one. It will get your whole body moving and help get your core temperature up.
Single Leg Deadlift with Toe Touch for Balance and Hip Stability
Use this drill to improve balance hip stability and prepare for all the time you’ll spend on one leg when running.
Skip Your Way To Better Running Mechanics
Skipping drills are a great way to warm up and work on overall running mechanics.
Physical Therapy for Runners In Lakeville, Massachusetts
If you usually don’t warm up, give these a try and pay attention to where you feel you need more work. Keep it simple when starting out so you can make the habit of warming up stick. Don’t try to address every issue you have.
Once you have some experience, tweak your warm up routine to fit your individual needs. If you need help doing that or you’re dealing with pain or injury, contact us here.
Be sure to check out our YouTube channel for more exercises like these. We update it regularly.
Also, check out this previous article about how to get your body ready to run. It also includes some specific self-assessments and strength exercises for runners.