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Stretching

Stretching is probably the most skipped part of any training plan. Most people feel that when the hard part of the training is done, that they are actually finished for the day. This is not the case though. 
Setting aside 5 to 10 minutes post training sessions to do stretching is sometimes more important than the training session itself; it forms an integral part of the session, meaning the session isn't actually finished until stretching has been done.

 Why is stretching so important? 

  • Stretching helps improves blood flow, helping flush out toxins and lactate acid that has gathered during a hard session.
  • Stretching helps lower the heart rate and has been shown the calm the mind. 
  • Stretching helps reduce pain and stiffness, post session.
  • Stretching helps improve range of motion - imagine if your body had the ability for longer strides or increased leg lift, this will result in less energy expenditure, more endurance and as a runner faster pace.
  • Stretching helps to reduce the risk of injury - when muscles become shortened and stiff, you risk joint pain, strains, and muscle damage as the muscle is not able to extend as it should. 
  • Stretching can improve performance by ensuring that muscles are as flexible and strong as possible, meaning that you will be able to use the muscles to the length that they should be used, without being held back by tightness or stiffness. The closer we use our muscles to its maximum capacity, the more the muscle can strengthen and improve. 








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