Morning Stretches for Runners: Boost Your Performance and Prevent Injuries

A quick morning stretch is one of the best ways to fire up your body and your mind. If your current morning routine consists of waking up and reaching for the phone, try ditching that habit and start your day on the right track instead.

There's still ongoing debate about exactly how effective stretching exercises can be, so we always recommend finding what works best for your body. As the saying goes: listen to your body - it's smarter than you!

So if you want to add some stretching to your morning routine, we've put together a program to help get you started. We'll also discuss the benefits of regular stretching and provide additional tips, so you can stay at your very best when hitting the track or the pavement.

Stretching first thing in the morning can not only improve your flexibility as a runner, but your overall flexibility as well. The increased range of motion not only feels great, but it can help you move more efficiently on the track and reduces the risk of picking up an injury.

Do you ever wake up feeling a bit tight after a night's rest? It's common to build up muscle tension overnight, which is why stretching in the morning is so important for getting your body firing for the day ahead. Reducing muscle stiffness can also reduce the risk of straining a muscle and improves your comfort while running.

Stretching is a great way to get your blood pumping early in the day. Stretching increases the blood flow to your muscles, helping you wake up so that you're ready to tackle that day's workout. Blood circulation also provides your muscles with essential nutrients and oxygen, which aid in both recovery and performance.

Injury prevention is an important part of any exercise routine. If you're someone who regularly runs or just keeps an active lifestyle, keeping on top of injuries should always be a priority. By reducing muscle tension and increasing flexibility, morning stretches can help prevent common running injuries like strains, sprains and overuse injuries.

Don't underestimate the effect that a good routine can have on your state of mind. Starting the day on the right track with a healthy stretch will not only help you wake up, but clear your mind for the day ahead. There's nothing like starting the day fresh so you can tackle those workouts with energy and determination.

Stretching can have a great overall effect on your running performance. The increased flexibility and range of motion feels great on the track, but stretching also increases your overall speed and endurance. Stretching can help prepare your body for a better recovery as well, so you'll be ready for that next run faster than ever.

Starting your day with a stretch can be a great way to relax yourself and reduce stress. Many people find stretching to have a great calming effect, which can help deal with the stresses of daily life or an upcoming race that's already got your heart pumping.

There are two main types of stretches that you can adopt: static stretches and dynamic stretches. They both serve distinct purposes and can be used for different situations, so check out this overview to decide which type is best for you.

Static stretching is a more conventional style of stretching. It involves holding a single, fixed position for a prolonged period, usually around 15-30 seconds. Their main purpose is to loosen your muscles and improve overall flexibility.

The best time for static stretching is during a post-workout cooldown or in a separate stretching session like a morning stretch. Static stretching aren't meant to be done pre-workout, but are instead used to increase your overall range of motion and flexibility.

Standing quadriceps hold

1. Stand up straight with your feet together
2. Bend one knee so that your heel comes up towards your bottom
3. Grab your ankle or foot
4. Stand up straight, with your bent knee in line with the other knee. Hold the position for 15-30 seconds
5. Apply a small amount of pressure if you want to increase the stretch
6. Slowly lower your leg and repeat the process with your opposite leg

Knee-to-chest

1. Lie flat on your back in a straight line, with your heels on the floor
2. Bend your right leg so your knee comes up to your chest , keeping your left leg straight
3. Put your hands on the top of your shin to hold the position in place
4. Hold the position for 30-40 seconds. You can gently pull to increase the stretch
5. Lower your right leg and repeat with the opposite leg

Kneeling hip flexor stretch

1. This exercise targets your gluteal muscles and loosens your hips. Start by kneeling down with your left foot forward in front of you at a 90 degree angle
2. Put your left hand on your left knee. Your right arm should be resting on your right hip
3. Gently come forward, putting your weight on your left ankle.
4. Hold for about 60 seconds then change legs.

A dynamic stretch is a more active movement that takes a joint or muscle through a full range of motion. Unlike static stretches, these are rhythmic and continuous.

Dynamic stretching increases blood flow, warms up your muscles and prepares your body for intense physical activity. They're best performed pre run or before playing a sport, as they enhance muscle performance and decrease your risk of injury.

Leg swings

1. Stand next to a wall or stable object and use one hand to support yourself
2. With your left foot on the ground, bend your right knee upwards in front of you to a 90 degree angle
3. Now bend your right leg backwards until it extends straight out behind you
4. Repeat 10 times and then switch legs. This stretch targets the hip flexors

Butt kicks

1. Stand up with your feet flat on the ground as your starting position
2. In a standing position, bring your left knee up to your butt. Now do the same with your right knee
3. Now start to pick up the pace. As you pick up speed you'll feel those tight muscles start to loosen
4. As you build momentum, feel free to start swinging your arms as well. This will bring your upper body into the movement
5. Keep the movement going for about 60 seconds

• Stretching should never hurt, so don't aim for pain. The goal is to feel some slight tension. If it starts to hurt then you're overdoing it.
• Be realistic with your routine. If you're not used to a stretching routine then don't take on the hardest stretches you can find. It's tempting to rush things but gradual progression is the better way to go about it.
• Keep up your stretching. Aim to perform your stretches at least two to three times a week to build up consistency.
• If you have an injury or chronic condition then use caution and common sense. Overworking a sore body part can be just as bad as neglecting it. Seek professional advice if you need a stretching routine that works around any body part you're having issues with.

As a runner, it's important to target key areas when you devise a stretching routine. The most common areas where runners are likely to pick up an injury are the hamstrings, knees, calf muscles and hip flexor, so try to hit them all. Your hips, inner thighs and IT band are also muscle groups that should be prioritised.

If you're keen to start a morning stretch routine, we've put together a beginner-friendly program to get you started. As you get used to stretching you might add or remove exercises, but this routine is a great starting point.

Sticking to a regular stretching routine is an awesome way to take your running to the next level. No matter what level of runner you might be, keeping your body at its best should always be a high priority. For more running and fitness tips, don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter.