Streching. I need something New! - for runners! - Exercise & Fitness Message Board

Newguy912 · 03-11-2006, 12:17 PM

Hi Guys. I’ve started running at my school track for about a month now. And I Always Make sure I stretch before I start.

Which Muscle Groups do you think I should Try working on stretching. And is it a good thing to stretch after the cool down. I Heard it’s suppose to prevent sourness or something.

Also I have done the one where you hold on to something then lift the leg back all the way to the buttocks. And I know the one where you lie down and you putt the leg toward you.

But is there any other stretches that I could do. Because It’s getting annoying I do the same things every day.

Can someone recommend some quadriceps stretches as well as some hamstring stretches. I searched google but couldn't find many. Does webMD have any of this info?

Also what can I do to make my quads and hamstrings stronger? Will this make me a faster running if does are stronger?

Thanks for helping guys!

Naxis · 03-11-2006, 05:08 PM

there's only so many ways to stretch the legs. Unless you want to starty an overall flexibility program like Yoga, you're going to be kind of limited, but search for "EXRX" and use the "exercise body map" for other stretch ideas. It sounds like you are already doing the standard quad and ham stretches. It is better to stretch after you exercise because your muscles, tendons, and ligaments are warm, and as a result, more pliable making stretching easier. I don't think it really prevents soreness. You could strengthen legs with weights, but I'd recommend sprints if you want to increase running speed. If you can do drag springs (running while dragging something heavy) it will help. Otherwise, I'd go with plyometrics or squats and deadlifts. Stronger legs will help you run faster. Look at the thighs on Olympic sprinters.