Running Stretch

Stretch routine for runners to increase flexibility.

Exercises:

Standing deep hip stretch

Start in standing position and stride a big step backward with one foot. Keep track of the front leg so that the knee positioned straight above the ankle. Allow the back knee come down to the ground, hold up upper body and feel a deep hip stretch.

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Standing quadriceps stretch

Stand in a strong position, grasp the ankle of one leg and move heel towards your butt. Keep your knees together and push your hip forward. Tighten abdominal muscles to stabilize.

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Calf stretch

Stand in a strong position and step one large step backward with one foot and place both feet with your toes pointing straight ahead. Tighten abdominal muscles to stabilize, place the weight on the front leg and stamp down the rear foot's heel in the floor with a straight knee. Keep back leg stretched throughout exercise and press your hip forward and down.

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Gluteus stretch twist

Start from seated position, place one foot on the outside of the other leg's thigh. Rotate upward and backward - keep your back straight. Rotate at the same time the opposite side's shoulder towards the bent leg. Grasp your knee with your arm to get deeper in the stretch.

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Seated hamstring stretch

Sit with your back straight and legs together, preferably bent to make it easier to keep your back straight. Lean forward upper body, strive to bring the stomach towards your thighs. Bulge with your bottom and lift up your chest. Exhale and extend the legs if possible and feel it tightens in the buttocks.

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Standing back stretch

Stand strong with knees slightly bent. Lean forward your upper body with your back straight, fold your hands behind your thighs and arch your back. Roll up the spine for after the stretch.

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Neck stretch with weight

Sit or stand with your back straight and strong posture. Tip head forward, relax and strive to bring chin towards the throat. Put your hands on your head as a weight, avoid this if you have neck problems.

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Chest stretch

Sit or stand firmly in basic position, fold your hands behind head and move elbows backward while pressing the chest, lower the shoulders and relax. Breathe deep breathes and keep the shoulder blades lowered during the entire exercise.

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Standing side stretch

This exercise stretches the hip and outside of thigh. Start in the standing position with your feet together. Cross legs and place the weight on the front leg. Press foot's posterior hip laterally outwardly and forwardly, extend arm on the same side up and tilt your upper body aside. Tighten abdominal muscles for support.

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