Stretching and Flexibility for Runners

Stretching and Flexibility for Runners
Stretching can have a variety of benefits for runners when done properly. Before you try the following stretches, learn Why You Should Stretch After You Warm Up and read about the Most Common Running Injuries For runners the calf, or gastrocnemius, muscle is prone to a calf pull or strain. Do this stretch after a good warm up and at the end of your runs. While it's similar to the Achilles tendon heel stretch, but by keeping your knee straight you focus the stretch on the calf rather than the Achilles. Runners who've had plantar fasciitis know how painful it is. BBy stretching the plantar fascia, a band of tough connective tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot to the heel you can help prevent such a debilitating injury. Original article and pictures take http://sportsmedicine.about.com/od/runningworkouts/tp/BestRunningStretches.htm site