It’s true, sometimes we may not have the time to stretch after a run. Or we want to just hop in the shower and go to work, or eat, or start the day. Sometimes, life gets in the way of stretching and it is left aside to be done later and then, later never comes.
I cannot stress enough the importance of stretching when you are running/working out frequently (or even daily).
The muscles, as well as the muscle tissues need to be stretched. It is important to free our body of the lactic acid that is created when we exercise/run and to release any tension.
Here are my top 4 (standing) stretches I like to do after a run and when I am short on time:
- Side Body Stretch: Reach your hands up towards the sky, interlace your fingers as you breathe in. On your exhale, stretch towards the left (or right). Repeat this on the otherside and interlace your fingers the other way (the way that feels Weird/funny). Repeat this 2-3 times.
2. Wide legged forward fold: Open your legs wider than your shoulders. Lower your hands to the ground if you can, but make sure your back is straight and that your shoulders are back. Hold this for 3 Longhorns breaths. Then, let gravity do it’s magic and release your upper body, let your arms and torso dangle. You may also grab the opposite elbows and swing lightly from side to side.
3. Pyramid pose: Place one leg in front of the other, at about shoulder distance, with all of your toes pointing forward. Keep your legs straight, and start lowering your chest towards your chin. Make sure you keep your back straight as well, and that your hips are facing forward. Do not worry so much about touching your toes, instead, focus on your hamstrings getting the stretch they deserve!
4. Garland Pose: This one I do ALL THE TIME. The Yogi squat is really great for the inner thighs and for the hips. Make sure there is a double movement between your legs and your arms. As your elbows push your legs to open more, your legs also push back into your arms. Your back must also be straight and your chest open. Putting your hands in prayer will help in this position.
There are a TON of other poses that can be done after a run. What are some of your favourites?
Stay tuned for my top 4 Yin Yoga inspired post run poses.
La chola 
Thank you for this post! Regularly I find myself preaching the importance of stretching to my clients. To have a small handful of quick full body stretches is a great way to be sure we are still getting the stretch we need when the workout is over and we are ready to move on to our next activity.
Yes!!! Totally! I am trying to get people at the gym to stretch but a lot of the time they don’t know how to! It’s our job to ensure they learn and do it properly 🙂