Not warming up before running and not stretching after running are the most common problems for many beginner runners!
Although the problem is small, it is actually very harmful to the body, especially ignoring the key link of stretching after running, and its potential impact is far from what is seen on the surface.
Doctors hereby issue a strong warning: stretching after running is by no means an optional accessory, but a necessary ritual to protect the body and optimize the effect of exercise.
Imagine that after a hearty running training, the muscles are like tight strings, full of strength and tension. If you stop and don’t release them slowly, it’s like the strings suddenly breaking, and the consequence is very unhealthy.
Today, let’s follow me to see what effects will be caused by not stretching after running?
Deterioration of flexibility
Lack of stretching will cause muscle stiffness and affect blood circulation. In the long run, muscle elasticity and flexibility will be greatly reduced, and even accelerate the aging process.
Flexibility is an important bridge between muscles and joints. Once flexibility deteriorates, the entire muscle group will easily become tense, which is not conducive to the operation of the next high-load exercise.
In addition, long-term running without stretching will also lead to muscle imbalance and cause some pain problems. Even some muscles will gradually shorten if they are not stretched after consumption, which will also affect the health of the nervous system.
More prone to injury
If you don’t stretch in time after running, it will be difficult for the muscles to be in the optimal length and tension state. Once the muscles are overloaded under load, muscle stretching is difficult to avoid.
Secondly, tight muscles are more likely to form “nodules”, causing pain and discomfort, especially the knees, ankles and other load-bearing parts, which are more susceptible to impact and increase the risk of injury.
I have seen some junior runners in the running group go home directly after each run and never stretch, which greatly reduces the flexibility and mobility of the joints in the later training and greatly increases the chance of arthritis.
Not conducive to the next training
Some people may think that spending 10 minutes stretching after running is a waste of time, but in fact stretching is also an important part of endurance balance training. We stretch after each training to make the next training state better.
In addition, without stretching, the body is difficult to recover effectively. When you exercise again the next day, the whole performance will be greatly reduced, forming a vicious circle.
Gradually, you will find that your physical endurance will also deteriorate, and your overall coordination will also decrease, and naturally the subsequent running training will become unsatisfactory.
Affect running confidence
When your running becomes worse and worse without stretching, it is very easy to affect running confidence, especially after an injury, which will make a runner give up halfway.
So we must try to break this vicious cycle. Try to take 10 minutes to stretch after each run, especially for some older runners, stretching after running.
From a more far-reaching perspective, ignoring stretching may also affect posture, leading to scoliosis, pelvic tilt and other problems, and thus affecting overall health.
Therefore, stretching after running is not only a gentle treatment for your body, but also a solid foundation for a healthy and lasting exercise.
Therefore, don’t forget to stretch your muscles after running. Only by long-term stretching can we better store energy for the next training!
