Dynamic Warm-Up For Running
Dynamic Warm Up for Running
Ok so lets start with some honesty, I don’t always warm up before running! I grab the dog lead, put on my trainers and we are out the door. I just want to get running! This may be so I can get it over and done with or because it’s a new route and I can’t wait to explore.
But a warm up has a purpose!
Warming up helps to increase flexibility, blood flow and oxygen, as well as reducing your risk of injury. The purpose of a warm up is to get your body ready for the exercise you are about to perform. A warm up should be relevant to the exercise you are doing. A boxer pedalling on a bike or a cyclist pumping small weights above their head isn’t going to help a great deal. These activities will not have you ready for the demands of your sport.
Forget what you were taught
Warm ups used to be a bit of static stretching, but then you crack on with your run. We now know that this does not get you ready and actually decreases performance.
Static stretching still has a place but it is at the end of the workout. Static stretching helps to lengthen and loosen your muscles and connective tissue. This is crucial after any exercise as it will help you to maintain range of motion. This can also help to reduce the soreness you can feel after exercise.
The Future of Warm Ups
Dynamic warm ups focus on actions which are similar to the movements you will perform whilst exercising. This type of warm up can help you to build strength, mobility and coordination, which can all help to improve your exercise performance.
Recent studies have shown that dynamic warmups reduce your risk of injury too!
So what does a dynamic warm up look like?
Here is a 5 minute routine of exercises to perform before every run. Start slowly and ease into the movements, gradually increasing your range of motion as you go through the reps.
Try doing each exercise 15-20 times per leg. Once you have done them all, go back to the start and do a second round. After this you should be feeling warm and ready to run.
Lateral leg swings
Forward leg swings
Leg Swing to knee tuck
Squat to on toes/arms up
Step/Lunge and Twist – arms out.
All of these exercises use the muscles which are required for running. The activation of these muscles during the warm up means they are ready for you to start your run.
Enjoy your run!
If you have any questions about warm ups/cool downs or anything exercise related then feel free to email JJ via jj@tivolichiropractic.co.uk.
Read our next blog by Physiotherapist, Ange, to learn all things Plantar Fasciitis.