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It’s that time of the year again – days are getting shorter, leaves are starting to fall off the trees, and the weather is starting to turn colder. While I do hate to see summer and all of its activities go, there is still plenty you can do in the winter time to stay active! In fact, running outdoors is actually one of my favorite activities to do in the fall and winter! If done properly you can still enjoy many months of healthy running all season long. Today I want to share with you 5 of my favorite lower body stretches you should be doing before every cold-weather run this year. Here we go!
A quick word about static vs dynamic stretching: “Static stretching” is what most of us think of when we think of stretching. It consists of getting in to a position and holding for 20 – 30 seconds. While this is great to increase range of motion and decrease tension, static stretching is not the best prior to running/exercising. We want our muscles in more of a “primed” and “ready” state – not one of relaxation.
“Dynamic stretching” on the other hand is “stretching with movement”; it’s taking your joints to their end range for only a brief period of time, but doing that repeatedly to stretch the area out. This has been proven to promote better blood flow into an areas which should lead to improved performance.
Here are 5 of the best stretches to keep your next cold-weather run fast, in peak condition, and injury-free…
1. Alternating Toe Touches – (hamstrings and hip flexors): Keep your left leg straight as you kick it out straight in front of you. Bring your right hand out to touch your left toes, then alternate with your right leg/left hand. Perform 20 reps on each side.
2. Standing Leg Swing (hip abductors and groin): Steady yourself on a pillar/tree/pole in front of you. Kick your right leg up as high to your right side as possible and then let it swing back down in front of you crossing your left leg. Repeat 20 times on each side.
3. Butt Kickers (hamstrings): Take off on a slow jog, but really try to bring your heel all the way up to your glutes with each stride. Perform 30-40 on each leg.
4. Alternating Walking Lunge (hamstrings, glutes, and quads): Take a large step forward with your left leg. Drop your right knee down towards the ground so that it almost touches the ground but not quite. Return to the upright position and repeat on the right side. 10 reps on each side.
5. Heel Raises (Achilles tendons): Stand on the edge of a stair/curb/gutter/bench with your heels hanging down below your toes. Use your calf muscles to pull yourself up on to your tip toes and then slowly return to the staring position. Perform 30 reps.
With any cold weather activity it’s vital that you dress appropriately. I’m loving my new Champion Power Blend fleece this year! Whether I’m out for a jog or headed to the gym – these clothes are the perfect blend of fit, style, and comfort. I love that it’s so plush and soft but doesn’t add a lot of extra bulk. Some of my other favorite features include…
- It’s super comfortable! Soft to the touch but tough enough to put up with any activity you throw at it!
- Anti-pill and shrink resistant; wash after wash after wash! This fabric is anti-pill and resistant to shrinking! How many fleece’s do you have that can do that?!
- Wider cuffs and hems for added comfort – even when working out.
- A percentage of the fabric is made from recycled material.
Check out Champion’s website RIGHT HERE and for more info about their Power Blend Fleece products CLICK HERE!
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Questions or comments for Jared? I would love to hear from you! Leave me a comment below or email me at jared{at}toneandtightenfitness.com
Make it happen,
Jared
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Champion. The opinions and text are all mine.