Instead of hitting the treadmill with stiff muscles, loosen them out with a vigorous stretch session. Prepping your body not only improves your flexibility and performance but also reduces the chance of injuring yourself during your workout. Dedicate a few minutes before your workout doing these dynamic stretches, so you’re ready to go the distance.

What Are the Best Pre-Workout Stretches?

1. Hamstring Sweeps

To avoid tight and pulled hamstrings, start off with this stretch. First, flex your heel and plant it firmly on the ground in front of you. Bending your back knee, fold your torso downward while making a forward sweeping motion with your arms. Doing a few sets of these on both legs for 30 seconds will condition your tight tendons while ensuring long-term flexibility.

2. Calf Raises

One of the most essential pre-run stretches focuses on your calf muscles. While they give you more strength and power while running than any other part of your legs, they’re also more prone to injuries and strain. To loosen them up before hitting the treadmill, grab a step stool for a few sets. Rise up onto your toes and drop down on your heels slowly. Do 10 to 15 repetitions or you can use weights for an additional challenge.

3. Standing Quad Stretches

Releasing tension in your quadricep muscles alleviates soreness and improves flexibility in the thigh area. This stretch can be done almost anywhere as long as you can hold a balancing position on one foot. All you have to do is grasp your ankle and bend your knee back as much as possible until you feel a comfortable stretch, keeping your knee pointed to the floor and pelvis tucked in the process. Hold your position for 20 to 30 seconds before switching to your other leg.

4. Leg Swings

Warm-up and stretch out your hip joints with this dynamic stretch. Start by aligning your torso and trunk with your pelvis. Without rotating your body, swing each leg forward, backward, and side to side with controlled force and movement. Aside from your hips, a few 20-second reps will encourage increased mobility and range of motion through your hamstrings, inner thighs, and abductors.

Whether you’re prioritizing your health or striving to hit your fitness goals, Exercise & Leisure Equipment Co. can bring the gym to you. The Cincinnati-based business has a wide assortment of treadmills, dumbbells, rowing machines, and other specialty workout equipment perfect for commercial and residential clients. They also offer deliveries and installations for their products. Learn more by calling (513) 531-7777 or visiting their website.