Should you stretch? Simple answer is….YES! For the long version answer click STRETCHING.
Wait, what can stretching do for me? Will it guarantee me injury free walking or running? NO!! But….
A thorough warm up helps increase the blood flow to the working muscle which results in decreased muscle stiffness, reduced risk of injury and often, improved performance.
Running is 50% mental and 50% physical. The Edge warm-up is also a good time to mentally prepare for an event, or your run or walk by clearing the mind, increasing focus, reviewing skills and strategy. Positive imagery can also relax the athlete and build concentration.
Many people climbing out of bed or out of their cars after leaving work need to workout the kinks or stiffness of their muscles. The stretches outlines in the link above can help loosen up all the muscles in our body and prepare them for our walk or run.
A short walk or run can help warm up the muscles and prepare them for some deeper stretches. The stretches outlined in the link above will help work out the stiffness and soreness of your muscles from your day to day activities or work. Muscles that are better prepared for the run will enhance your performance.
Stretching helps overworked muscles feel better and get you ready for the rest of your day or for tomorrow.