Many runners dislike stretching. All athletes including those who would benefit from stretching, do not dedicate enough time to doing so. Stretching accomplishes several goals. It allows the muscle fibers to gradually “warm-up” before putting them under stress during activity. Stretching aids in the removal of lactic acid buildup in muscles following an exercise. Stretching is a vital part of improving your fitness and avoiding running injuries.
When it comes to stretching, many schools of thought exist. Some people believe that stretching before a run is beneficial. Others advise stretching after a quick warm-up. Others recommend exercises after a run. None of these approaches are incorrect, and you should select a stretching routine that suits your needs.
Many runners fall into the trap of adopting an excessively long stretching routine. When it comes to stretching, we should take an “all or nothing” attitude. Either we perform the entire stretching routine or none at all. Time gets in the way, and “none” is frequently the winner. Prioritize critical stretches for major muscle groups and complete them first. Stretch more if you have time.
