Runners unite...

I_wanna_live

kidding... but, my question

how important is stretching to running? I will explain if need to, but I think the question says it all...

redhousecat

for me, I have to stretch, THEN do a warm up for I feel sluggish when I run. The stretching warms up my muscles and warms up my warm up.....I guess it sounds repetitive and anal, but works for me.

wolfchild59

I find that just walking for a bit first, or even a light jog, is a much better warm up than stretching. If I don't have that option, then I do dynamic stretches only. Static stretches on cold muscles can actually be worse for you and should be left for post-workout stretching sessions.

amyhoss

I'm embarrased to say that I never stretch; before or after. I do a 5 min warm up and cool down walk, but never stretch. Should I?

scottb81

My opinion, and the opinion of lots of runners much better than me, is that it is not only not important but can be counterproductive. I rarely stretch unless something feels sore or unusually tight. If I do stretch it is only a few ballistic stretches before the run and some static stretching afterwards.

HisPathDaily

I'm really bad at that!

I have been getting better ... maybe 50-60% of the time I now stretch ... but I just started running on my own and never got in a good habit ... I mean I do a warm up walk ... and technically stretch when I'm putting on my shoes ...

But I really need to get better at that for injury sake (especially in the last few months when I've begun to take my running more seriously) ...

MoreBean13

I find that just walking for a bit first, or even a light jog, is a much better warm up than stretching. If I don't have that option, then I do dynamic stretches only. Static stretches on cold muscles can actually be worse for you and should be left for post-workout stretching sessions.

^^This.

Except for IT band stretches. I do them diligently, after warming up. I had a series of injuries that could have been prevented if I learned the IT band lesson earlier.

Sabine_Stroehm

I stretch my hips (I tend to get tight ITBs) and my calves before. And then do some standard static stretches after.

fbuschur

I never stretch. I usually start out slow until I warm up, but that is it. I have never had a problem.

ashlinmarie

I lightly stretch out my calves, hamstrings and shoulders...takes about 2 minutes otherwise I sometimes get cramps part way through. Otherwise, I don't do much.

Krisengel

I never stretch, just do a 5 minute warm up walk and another 5 for a cool down walk. So far so good!

FloridaAimee

If I dont stretch I get shin splints and groin pain.

avir8

It's very important!!!
Even if you just do a couple moves, that helps warm up muscles and tendons so that you won't get hurt.
What happens when you bend a spaghetti uncooked it snaps, but cook it (ie warm it up) it gets bendy and moves freely.
So you obviously won't break a leg, but if you've ever pulled a groin muscle you know how bad that hurts and how easily it could have been prevented by doing even 1 simple stretch.

BrianSharpe

In terms of injury prevention there seems to be no difference between the stretchers and non-stretchers. In terms of performance there is some evidence suggestion (as Scott pointed out) that static stretching before a run may, in fact, impede performance.

Prior to running I'll warm up with a short dynamic stretching routine more just to get the muscles warmed up a bit and increase blood flow to my legs.

A little OT but there is strong evidence that runners benefit (injury prevention and performance) from core strengthening, strength training (all around but special attention to hips & glutes)

SassyCalyGirl

static stretching after and dynamic stretching before. ALWAYS.

Sox90716

Post run, yes.

cls_333

Stretching is so old school lol. Look up dynamic warm-ups on YouTube or anywhere on the internet. They are the way to go. Also Yoga is amazing stuff for the body.

lyttlewon

I don't stretch.

I_wanna_live

so yoga with running would be bad... I mean doing yoga in the eve after a run. But would it work if I ran in the morning and Yoga in the eve?

fairc3jam

I find that just walking for a bit first, or even a light jog, is a much better warm up than stretching. If I don't have that option, then I do dynamic stretches only. Static stretches on cold muscles can actually be worse for you and should be left for post-workout stretching sessions.

Agree!

camrunner

I stretch a bunch after, but the only thing I stretch before is my IT band because it's being a *****.

MoreBean13

so yoga with running would be bad... I mean doing yoga in the eve after a run. But would it work if I ran in the morning and Yoga in the eve?

Yoga after running or on the same day in the evening would both be fine. One summer semester in college I took a running class and a yoga class, everyday (for credit!)- yoga was right after running- and it was amazing. The yoga was a GREAT way to cool down and relax after running.

Edit to add: And yoga isn't the same as cold stretching. Done properly, it has warm ups built in to the practice.

shabaity

after i run i do some old ballet leg stretches i learned as a kid because they stretch my thighs shins and calves all in one go and a few of them hit my lower back also before hand i actually walk my dog about .6 miles then go on my run lol

froeschli

i run a mile, then stop for stretching, then go for 2 or 4 more.... i am lazy about stretching when i get back - usually only do it if i feel i am cramping up.

ixap

My opinion, and the opinion of lots of runners much better than me, is that it is not only not important but can be counterproductive. I rarely stretch unless something feels sore or unusually tight. If I do stretch it is only a few ballistic stretches before the run and some static stretching afterwards.

Totally agree. It's never been shown to prevent injury, and stretching before running has been shown to slightly impair performance.

That said, I personally have some spots that get achy if I don't stretch (though I do so at other times of day), in particular the IT band and the piriformis.

nwhitley

I don't stretch before a run, only afterwards.

lengirl75

I usually walk about 1/4 mile before running and always stretch afterwards; especially my calves/shins & hips.

Gibby_Gabbers

I don't stretch before I run, I just take about ten minutes to jog lightly beforehand. I like to stretch afterwards. It helps keep my muscles from tightening up after a run, helps tone, and prevents injuries.

I think technically we're supposed to warm up, stretch, run and stretch after.