Question about running??

m_shuman

I work out everyday and I have added running in the evening to my routine. When I run I get tightness in my neck muscles and upper shoulder areas (I am guessing from body positioning or tension) does anyone have any helpful hints that might help/be causing this to happen?

m_shuman

Anyone?

lulabellewoowoo

For me, running in my area, especially on anything with an incline or hills, takes a lot of mobilization. I have to continuously remind myself to relax and drop my shoulders. A massage therapist also suggested getting an exercise ball, and laying backwards on it for 20 minutes straight, 3 times a week (while watching tv or something like that), and letting your neck/back muscles relax and go back to their regular form as sitting at a desk, or just stress will make us hunch up. Not sure if this answers your question or helps.

Pickles11

Do you warm up first? Maybe do arm circles and stretch your shoulders more. Sometimes we forget that running isn't just using the legs, it's full body.

runfatmanrun

I used to get this too and sometimes still do on my longer runs. I found that upper body workouts, pushups, shulder shrugs, anything to build up those muscles has helped my shoulder tightness.

This was said earlier, I have to continuously remind myself to relax and drop my shoulders, and is also true for me.

shannon_121285

This happens to me when I forget to relax my shoulders. Think about your shoulders!

artbkward

Make sure you aren't running with your fists tightened. Hold your hands as if you were holding onto a potato chip.

therealangd

Make sure your shoulders are down and back and your hands do not clench. Look ahead.