Warming Up Before Going Out On That Early Springtime Run
Spring is finally here as the snow has melted and the days are getting longer!
I know many of you are itching to get outside, enjoy some fresh air, and go for a refreshing run! However, after being stuck inside all winter, your lower body may not be loosened up enough which could make you succeptible to several common running injuries! So what should you do to minimize your chances of suffering one of these running injuries yet enjoy all the amazing benefits of going for a run outside?
The answer to this question is to make sure you warm up properly before you go out for your run. As we have mentioned before it is much more beneficial to engage in a Dynamic Warm-Up program before beginning athletic activity. Below is a video demonstrating a simple continuous warm-up that will prepare your lower body and trunk for your run:
As you may have noticed, the warm-up in the video is about 2 minutes in duration. You can lengthen the warm-up to 5-7 minutes to adequately warm your entire body up. You can go through the sequence 2 or 3 times to accomplish this. Please keep in mind, this program does not eliminate the incidence of injury, but it will minimize the chances of developing an injury. In the event that you unfortunately develop knee, hip, ankle, foot, or back pain while running it may be time to see one of our highly trained physical therapists so we can get you back on the track, field, or trail so you can enjoy those outdoor runs!
