Running is a sport that requires running. You might be wondering how that's possible, but let me explain: to run successfully, you need to have the ability to run for long periods without injuring yourself. This means you must possess a certain level of flexibility and mobility to take on more challenging routes or longer distances. Today I'll explain what these abilities are and why runners need them if they want to avoid injury-related downtime from their favorite activity.
What is flexibility?
Flexibility is the ability to move joints through their full range of motion. Flexibility is a key component of fitness and can be improved with stretching, yoga, and other mobility exercises.
Stretching is an important part of any runner's workout routine because it helps improve overall muscle length and flexibility and reduces injury risks by improving soft tissue health. As you're probably aware by now (or soon will be), running puts stress on all parts of your body--including your muscles! When these muscles become tight or stiff due to overuse or repetitive strain, injuries such as shin splints may occur, reducing performance levels while increasing recovery time after runs/workouts - not ideal if you're trying to set new personal bests!
Why is flexibility important for runners?
Flexibility is important for all athletes, but especially so for runners. Flexibility allows you to move with greater ease, which improves your performance and helps prevent injury. It also makes recovery from training easier and helps keep your joints healthy.
Why? Simply put, the more flexible you are, the better you'll be able to handle running mileage without injuring yourself or getting sore. By increasing your range of motion (ROM), stretching will allow you more freedom in how far forward or backward you can run without feeling tightness in any part of your body--which can lead to pain over time if left untreated!
How do you improve your flexibility as a runner?
To improve your flexibility as a runner, start slow and work your way up. It is important, to begin with stretches that are comfortable for you and gradually increase their intensity over time. It's also important not to overdo it; stop immediately if you feel pain in any area of your body while stretching!
The best way to increase flexibility is by focusing on areas most important for running performance: hamstrings and calves (which help us run faster), quadriceps (which help us push off), lower back muscles (which stabilize our hips), glutes (to power each stride) and hip flexors (for better overall balance).
How can you gauge your flexibility level?
To gauge your flexibility level, there are two main ways to go. The first is to use a stretching guide to help determine how much flexibility you need to improve. The second option is more scientific: use a flexibility test like the sit-and-reach test or the hamstring flexibility test. Both methods have their pros and cons--but either way, they'll give you some insight into whether or not it's time to start improving your flexibility!
What are the benefits of improving your mobility and flexibility as a runner?
- Increases range of motion: A few minutes spent stretching before or after a run can help you increase your flexibility, improving mobility and reducing the risk of injury.
- Improves performance: Flexibility and mobility have been shown to improve performance on various tests, including vertical jump height, time to exhaustion while cycling at submaximal workloads (i.e., when you're not working as hard), and sprinting ability.
- Improves posture: As we age, our joints become stiffer and lose their natural range of motion because they're not being used properly anymore--this can lead to poor posture and back pain that dramatically affects our quality of life! Stretching helps keep these joints flexible so they stay healthy longer into old age!
Without adequate flexibility, runners are at risk of injury.
Regarding flexibility and mobility, these terms are often used interchangeably. But they're not the same thing. Flexibility refers to a joint's range of motion (ROM), while mobility refers to your ability to move freely without pain or discomfort.
The importance of flexibility for runners is obvious: if you don't have sufficient ROM in your joints and muscles, you'll be at risk of injury when running, which can lead to serious problems down the road as well. However, many other benefits come from improving flexibility as well; here are just a few things that increased flexibility will do for your running life:
- Improve overall health & wellbeing
- Reduce the risk of injury while exercising or competing
- Increase performance level
Conclusion
Flexibility is important for all runners, but it's especially important if you're trying to improve your performance. Keeping your body loose and limber can prevent injury and maintain the strength needed to run fast and long distances. If you want to get better at running or stay healthy while doing so, make sure that stretching is part of your routine!
