Here’s Why Dynamic Stretching Is So Important for Runners

We’ve heard from all kinds of runners at the Furman Institute of Running and Scientific Training (FIRST) in Greenville, South Carolina, from those who want to get faster to those who want to continue to enjoy the sport for life and even those who've given up on running entirely. One thing they all have in common is they’ve stopped because injuries have made it too frustrating or too painful to continue.

It’s safe to say, the two of us—both longtime runners—spend a lot of time discussing what we can do now to increase the likelihood that we’ll log miles well into old age. We want to be able to keep doing what we love to do—and that’s probably a goal of yours, too. One way to achieve this goal is to practice dynamic stretches.

The Importance of Dynamic Stretching

Based on our experiences as athletes, coaches, and exercise scientists, we developed the 7-Hour Workout Week, which is detailed in our book Train Smart, Run Forever. Morning Stretches Every Runner Should Do endurance, DAA Industry Opt Out, and flexibility. Many runners have confessed that they skip the resistance training, dynamic stretching, and cross-training every day—it’s just that important.

Improving range of motion is an essential component of fitness training. The risk factors associated with poor flexibility include faulty posture, altered running mechanics, and risk of injury and pain. That’s why we recommend stretching every day—it’s just that important.

To get started with dynamic stretching—and make it a key part of your routine—these five moves are easy to do daily and take just minutes to complete. Remember: Five minutes today can prevent eight weeks on the injury list later.