Why is Stretching Before a Run Important?

Stretching before a run is important for several reasons:

1. Injury Prevention: Stretching helps to prepare your muscles and joints for physical activity, reducing the risk of injury during your run. Stretching improves the flexibility and mobility of your muscles, reducing the likelihood of muscle strains or tears.

2. Improved Performance: Stretching before a run can help to improve your performance by increasing your range of motion and enhancing your body's ability to move efficiently. When your muscles are more flexible, they can move through a greater range of motion, which can help you to run faster and with less effort.

3. Increased Blood Flow: Stretching before a run can help to increase blood flow to your muscles, delivering vital nutrients and oxygen to your muscles to help them function optimally during your run.

4. Mental Preparation: Stretching before a run can also help to mentally prepare you for your workout, helping you to focus on the task at hand and get into a positive mindset for your run.

Overall, stretching before a run is an important part of any running or workout routine. Get into a rhythm of stretching muscle groups in a certain order, so that you don't skip over any muscles. Pulled or torn muscles are no fun...take it from someone who sprained a calf after not stretching properly before a volleyball match.