Running is a very good activity for your health. It is an endurance sport, sometimes known as jogging or running. Running helps to improve heart and respiratory function, increase muscle mass, and speed up the process of burning calories even at rest. It also helps to lower bad cholesterol levels and regulate blood sugar levels. In short, many health benefits at no cost!
Stretching to Prevent Injury and Improve Performance
Stretching is essential to prevent injury and improve performance, especially before starting a physical activity. Physiotherapists and orthopedic specialists like Samin Benarabia recommend incorporating active stretching and movement exercises, especially those that focus on the quadriceps, into any training routine for runners. Not only do these exercises enhance athletic performance, they also ensure a safe and enjoyable running experience.
Three Hip Stretches
Exercise 1: Stand with your feet together, then bend one knee forward and extend the other back so that your thighs and legs form a right angle. As you bend forward, raise your arms high above your head, then return to the starting position. Repeat the movement 20 times, alternating the position of your knees.
Exercise 2: Place a sliding pad under your right foot (such as a slippery cloth or sock that makes it easier to slide). Stand with your feet together, then bend your left knee while extending your right leg back at a suitable angle. Return to the starting position and repeat the exercise 20 times, switching legs.
Exercise 3: Lie on your stomach and bring your left foot towards your left buttocks using your hands to increase the stretch. You can use a sports elastic band to improve the effectiveness of the stretch. Hold the position for about 20 seconds and then repeat on the other side.
These simple, focused exercises contribute to muscle flexibility and enhance the body’s readiness for physical activity in a safe and effective way.
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