If you have tight quads or hips, you need to read this. Here’s why:Tight quads and hips will slow you down BIG TIME. When you push off, you need good flexibility to open your stride. I’m not talking about overstriding, but you need two things to happen to unlock more…
Stretching
Strength vs Stretching for Runners
Strength training and stretching are both essential if you want to run injury-free. The problem is that runners often have misconceptions about the best way to approach either. Most runners think that to properly strengthen a muscle, they need to isolate it. In fact, it’s the opposite. Muscles fire in…
Best Warm-Up Lunges for Runners
When it comes to running, not all warm-ups are equal. As a Physical Therapist and running coach, I’m often asked about my favorite warm-up exercises. Traditionally, runners will resort to leg swings, toe touches, and a few torso twists to warm up. The key to a good warm-up is to…
Best Calf Stretch for Runners
If you struggle with tightness in your calves, ankles, or Achilles, this stretch is for you! As a Physical Therapist, I see runners doing calf stretches that aren’t helping them far too often. Many runners think they’re getting a good stretch when they wedge their heels into the wall or…
Top Back Stretch for Runners
When you think about stretching, what areas would you usually focus on? Probably the hamstrings, hip flexors, and ankles. While those are all great areas to address, there’s one important part of the body that’s typically overlooked. The mid-back. As a Physical Therapist, I can tell you that many running…
Best Hip Flexor Stretch for Runners
Does it take you a mile to warm up because of hip stiffness? If so, read on! Hip flexibility is the secret to opening up your stride for faster, injury-free running. As a physical therapist, most of my patients struggle to stretch their hip flexors properly. Why does this matter?…
The Must-Try Quad Stretch for Runners
If your quad muscles are tight, read this. Having tight quads is a common problem with runners. You need flexibility in your thighs and quads to protect your knees and run with proper form. Most runners use the “heel-to-butt” stretch to loosen up and stretch the quad muscle. Unfortunately, this…
How to Stretch Tight Hips for Runners
Do you struggle to open your stride because of tight hips? If so, this stretch is for you! As a physical therapist, I’ve seen many running injuries caused by tight hips. It’s essential to prioritize hip flexibility if you want to run without injury. This hip stretch is one of…
Quad & Thigh Stretch for Runners
Feel tight in the front of your thighs? This stretch is a great way to loosen up. As a Physical Therapist, most of my runners use the “heel-to-butt” stretch to loosen up and stretch their thighs. Unfortunately, it rarely helps improve flexibility that will help with injury prevention or
Must-Try: Hip Flexor Stretch for Runners
If you’re a runner who struggles with shuffling, opening your stride, or running faster, you’ll want to read below. Here’s the big misconception: Running faster and finishing races stronger comes from training harder, running more miles, and completing more speed workouts. While this will undoubtedly make you a stronger