Talkback: Five Essential Injury-Beating Stretches

Michael Botham · January 2011

Hi

would it be possible to upload pictures alongside this article. I'm never sure whether I'm doing something right when I try to follow the text

Mike

[Deleted User] · January 2011

I agree. I don't understand the instructins for the first excercise.

[Deleted User] · January 2011

Hi folks,

Will see what I can do - the exercises come from Sarah's book so I'll need to get them from the publishers.

We'll do our best!

Alice

Saffers · January 2011

Hi

Are these stretches for before running or after running? Or both?

Thanks

Saffers

sarah asics pro team · January 2011

Hi Saffers,

they are great to do after running to unwind you or a s a seperate session. However if on eof the areas feels tight please stretch gently before you run once warmed up.

Hope that helps

Sarah

Carl Harrison · January 2011

Hi guys,

Firstly, the plank and the bridge are exercises, not stretches, to be performed as part of your conditioning circuit. Do not stretch off, cool down and then adopt the plank position! (Same applies for backwards walking, warm up exercise not cool down).

Secondly, ref: assisted stretching. If you are aiding a quad stretch push down on the base of the thigh, not on the knee. Pushing on joints for a stretch is a contraindication. A good way of increasing the quad stretch is lying face down, pulling your foot up to your glutes, whilst pushing your hip into the floor, maintaining a natural posture. Try to stretch one muscle group at a time to get fuller flexibility.

[Deleted User] · January 2011

What is a good stretch - pre run - for the lower back.

Moraghan · January 2011

Carl, it is a strange article when 3 out of the 5 injury beating stretches aren't stretches at all.

[Deleted User] · January 2011

the bridge and the plank are standard yoga poses:

here are some pics:

http://www.yogajournal.com/poses/472

http://www.yogajournal.com/poses/470

Sleek Lemur · January 2011

I find pilates is great for general stretching, core strength and also getting rid of a hangover. Foam rolling works very well also (but nort as good for hangover).