In the first of a three part series on running warmup exercises, we take a deep dive into how you can prepare your body for your favorite outdoor activity. Here at ProActive, we take your body’s health very seriously, and that’s why we’ve decided to focus on the stuff that will help you stay fitter and healthier for longer.
Do you want to make the most out of your running routine?
Are you a new runner who wants to know whether running warmup exercises are necessary?
You have probably heard people talking about “warmups” before they set off on a run. Still, many of us wonder what the point of this whole process is and why it should be an integral part of our running routine. But before beginning any exercise routine, it’s important to warm up properly. When it comes to running, warming up is crucial to avoid injury. When you dive into a workout without warming up, your muscles are unprepared for the stress, making them more susceptible to strains and sprains. Running warmup exercises will increase blood flow to your muscles and prepares your body for high-impact running activity.
Speak to a Physical Therapist for Running Warmup Exercises
As physical therapists who help runners recover from injuries and achieve peak performance, we recommend five essential preparation and cool-down exercises to help prepare your body for running and to cool down effectively afterward. We also have some tips on enhancing your running warmup exercises so you feel more comfortable and more easily achieve your running goals.
Running is a fantastic way to get your body moving and your heart rate up. Still, it’s equally important to remember to take steps to cool down, especially if the weather is warm. Nothing beats the rush of endorphins after a long, hard workout. But did you know stretching after your run can maximize those feel-good chemicals?
After a long run, your body temperature can remain high for an extended time, which can be uncomfortable and sometimes dangerous. Cooling down helps your body gradually return to a resting state, preventing dizziness, light-headedness, and even fainting. When you exercise, your heart and breathing rates increase and your body temperature rises. If you stop abruptly, your heart rate and breathing rate may also plummet abruptly, causing blood to pool in your muscles and potentially leading to feelings of discomfort or faintness.
Taking a few minutes to walk, stretch, or use a foam roller can reduce the risk of injury and make your next workout feel easier. You can do several things to help your body cool down after a run, such as stretching, drinking plenty of water, and taking a cool shower. It’s also a good idea to continue moving slower or do some gentle cardio to help prevent your muscles from tightening up. By making cooling down a regular part of your running routine, you help your body recover faster and avoid unwanted discomfort.
Be sure to stick with us on this one because we are going to be going in-depth into details about how you can warmup properly before you go running. Once you been out for your run, we will show you some great cool-down exercises that will help you bring your body back to rest, and prevent stiffness. It all forms part of the whole routine, and when you stick to it, you’ll start to see the benefits on your body, and most importantly, your legs!
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