Spring is the perfect time of year to resume outdoor runs! Temperatures have increased and runners should no longer have to contend with icy conditions after a long winter.

Whether you jog on a trail, beach or roadside, this activity builds muscle strength, burns calories and can improve mood. Before you take off running, warm up your body and remember to cool down with the following stretches.

Before Your Run

Pre-run stretches can loosen the muscles, joints and activate the nervous system. A proper warmup can decrease injury risk and put you in the right mental state to perform your best!

1. Standing Knee Hugs

To relieve back tension, stand with your feet shoulder width apart and lift your left knee. Balancing on your right foot, hug the left knee into your chest and hold. Repeat with your left foot on the ground and your right knee up.

2. Kneeling Hip Flexor Stretch

Tight muscles where your thighs meet your torso can cause hip and back pain. To stretch your hip flexors, drop to your right knee and plant your left foot in front of you. With both hands on your left knee, lean forward and straighten your right hip. Hold, then switch legs.

3. Seated Hamstring Stretch

Stretching the muscles that connect to your hip flexors, glutes and calves can help prevent back and knee pain. From a seated position, extend your left leg and keep your right leg bent. With the right foot resting on the inside of your left thigh, bend forward and reach for your left foot. Hold this position, then repeat with the right leg out.

4. Downward Dog

This yoga pose stretches out the calf muscles. Starting on all fours, lift your knees and walk your feet back into a plank position. Keeping your arms straight, push your hips up, press your heels down and hold.

5. Seated Twist

To stretch the back of your thighs and buttocks, start in a seated position with your legs out in front of you. Cross your right leg over your left and plant your right foot on the floor with the knee bent. Twist to your right and gently press that knee inward. Hold, untwist and repeat on the other side.

After Your Run

Post-run stretches can help prevent muscles from getting tight, increase your flexibility and improve performance on your next run.

1. Standing Quad Stretch

To stretch the muscles that cover the front and side of your thighs, start with both feet on the ground. Pull your left leg behind you and draw your shin to your thigh. Hold, then switch to the right leg.

2. Standing Calf Stretch

Neglecting your calves after a run to increase risk for injury. To stretch these muscles, stand with one leg behind the other. Bend your front leg forward and keep the back leg straight. Gently rock forward and back on the bent front leg, then repeat with the other leg forward.

3. Iliotibial Band Stretch

The IT band runs along the outside of your thigh. To stretch these muscles between your hip and shin, cross your left ankle behind your right. Raise your left arm overhead and lean to that side, so you feel the stretch in your right leg.

4. Butterfly Stretch

In this position, you can stretch out the inner thighs and groin. Sitting on the ground, bend your knees to bring the bottom of your feet together. Holding your feet with both hands, lean forward and slide your heels toward your body, pressing your knees down.

5. Piriformis Stretch

To stretch this small muscle behind the gluteus maximus, lie on your back with your knees bent. Crossing your left ankle over your right knee, pull your right leg to your chest. Hold until you feel a stretch in the back of your thighs and buttocks, then switch to the other side.
 
Regular chiropractic treatment is great for runners! To ease joint pain and improve flexibility, contact The Chiropractic Health Center of Glastonbury today.

"Being a part of this chiropractic "family" has been a totally positive experience. The office itself is calming and clean, the office staff is friendly and engaging and makes a point to know everyone's name. Regarding the professional staff, I feel like I have gotten top quality care. I would definitely recommend this practice!!"
Diane Z.
When I first came, I was out of alignment and had joint soreness but through my continual sessions, my overall health has improved 100%. I want to thank all the staff for their support and education."
Benjamin I.
When I first came, I was out of alignment and had joint soreness but through my continual sessions, my overall health has improved 100%. I want to thank all the staff for their support and education."
Benjamin I.
"Such a great experience in understanding and learning how to treat my chronic pain! The office staff is wonderful, informative and empathetic! Dr. D is also invested in making you to your best self! They found a convert here!"
Debby D.
"Being a part of this chiropractic "family" has been a totally positive experience. The office itself is calming and clean, the office staff is friendly and engaging and makes a point to know everyone's name. Regarding the professional staff, I feel like I have gotten top quality care. I would definitely recommend this practice!!"
Diane Z.
"Dr. Wade and the front office staff are fantastic. The office is friendly and super efficient. I have never had to wait more than 10 minutes to be seen. Dr. Wade got my back feeling better. I’m feeling healthier and have much more energy."
Corey M.
"There is no better place than Chiropractic Health Center, from the moment you step into the office, you are welcomed with a smile and they even manage to remember every patients name. They put a lot of emphasis on your care, you start feeling better with every visit. I would recommend this practice over any other possible treatment/office in the state."
Carlos V.
"I have been going to the Chiropractic Health Center of Glastonbury for years. Dr. D. keeps me walking and moving so I can work and enjoy my grandchildren. The staff in the office are great. They are like a second family to me. I know I can call and they will always fit me in if I have to have an adjustment."
Catherine K.
"This is an outstanding office focused on not just relieving discomfort, but promoting optimal health. I look forward to my maintenance visits to keep my neurological system in tuned up condition."
Ellen P.
"If I could give more than five stars, I wouldn't hesitate to do so. The office staff are all very professional and accommodating. There have been several instances where I had to make a last minute change to my appointment - either a cancellation or different time - and the office responded right away to make it happen. Not only this, but my appointments are always quick, yet very efficient. The doctors take their time in addressing my questions and explaining things so that I receive the best possible care."
Zach G.
"If I could give more than five stars, I wouldn't hesitate to do so. The office staff are all very professional and accommodating. There have been several instances where I had to make a last minute change to my appointment - either a cancellation or different time - and the office responded right away to make it happen. Not only this, but my appointments are always quick, yet very efficient. The doctors take their time in addressing my questions and explaining things so that I receive the best possible care."
Zach G.
"Dr. Wade has been wonderful! I never thought spinal care was a preventative health measure until I started here. The entire staff are very accommodating and friendly! My back has never felt better! I plan to continue to come for maintenance."
Amanda S.
"This is an outstanding office focused on not just relieving discomfort, but promoting optimal health. I look forward to my maintenance visits to keep my neurological system in tuned up condition."
Ellen P.
"There is no better place than Chiropractic Health Center, from the moment you step into the office, you are welcomed with a smile and they even manage to remember every patients name. They put a lot of emphasis on your care, you start feeling better with every visit. I would recommend this practice over any other possible treatment/office in the state."
Carlos V.
"I have been going to the Chiropractic Health Center of Glastonbury for years. Dr. D. keeps me walking and moving so I can work and enjoy my grandchildren. The staff in the office are great. They are like a second family to me. I know I can call and they will always fit me in if I have to have an adjustment."
Catherine K.
"I felt heard, taken care of, treated with kindness and respect. Wonderful positive experience. A very welcoming office and staff. Definitely a five star establishment!"
Beth M.
"My whole family goes to Chiropractic Health Center of Glastonbury. My other half has been getting adjustments for years and he has been the driving force for the family to get checked out. He says since he has been coming here, if his back has any issues or is out, it seems to get better much faster than ever before. If you've had any problems with your back, you'll know that speaks volumes. We trust this group!"
Maggie P.
"Best chiropractor ever! Highly recommend! The people here are so nice! 10/10"
Rich A.
"I have had amazing experiences here, from the front staff to the doctors. They explain everything to you in detail and in a way you understand. I would highly recommend them."
Marguerite R.
"Dr. Wade and the front office staff are fantastic. The office is friendly and super efficient. I have never had to wait more than 10 minutes to be seen. Dr. Wade got my back feeling better. I’m feeling healthier and have much more energy."
Corey M.
"Being a fitness instructor and lifetime athlete, it is important that I keep my body healthy and moving. Pat DeFrancesco has been a huge help in this process. He is extremely knowledgeable, but more importantly he truly cares about my wellness & well being. He goes above and beyond & I feel lucky to have him on my wellness team. He leads by example in all areas of health & to me that is so important. Pat and team are top notch!"
Darcy
"My whole family goes to Chiropractic Health Center of Glastonbury. My other half has been getting adjustments for years and he has been the driving force for the family to get checked out. He says since he has been coming here, if his back has any issues or is out, it seems to get better much faster than ever before. If you've had any problems with your back, you'll know that speaks volumes. We trust this group!"
Maggie P.
"Dr. D has to be one the most caring and supportive individuals I have ever met, I consider him a friend. Doc has taken care of me, my family, and a group of my friends. I will always recommend chiropractic care as a needed practice to maintain a healthy body and will only recommend Dr. Patrick DeFrancesco and the Chiropractor Health Center of Glastonbury to anyone I come across who is in need."
Christopher B.
"Best Chiropractic center in the State. I went to three chiropractors and none of them got my lower back back into place. I went to see Dr. D. and he snapped me back to normal in the first visit. Look no further. This place is the pinnacle of Chiropractic."
Joseph B.
"Great experience! Our whole family goes and we have referred other family members. Dr. Wade is awesome, he listens and wants what is best for his clients."
Kayla B.
"I'm a very active individual and lower back pain was getting in the way of activities I love. While my back is still a work in progress, the time spent with Dr. D has been well worth it. I just ran 2 marathons in 2 weeks and these sessions helped me run these races with no back pain."
Matt from mission FITNESS
"There is no better place than Chiropractic Health Center, from the moment you step into the office, you are welcomed with a smile and they even manage to remember every patients name. They put a lot of emphasis on your care, you start feeling better with every visit. I would recommend this practice over any other possible treatment/office in the state."
Carlos V.
"Great experience! Our whole family goes and we have referred other family members. Dr. Wade is awesome, he listens and wants what is best for his clients."
Kayla B.
"If I could give more than five stars, I wouldn't hesitate to do so. The office staff are all very professional and accommodating. There have been several instances where I had to make a last minute change to my appointment - either a cancellation or different time - and the office responded right away to make it happen. Not only this, but my appointments are always quick, yet very efficient. The doctors take their time in addressing my questions and explaining things so that I receive the best possible care."
Zach G.
"I started adjustments for neck, back, and tailbone pain and at the end of the 10 weeks the pain was completely gone. Dr. Wade is kind, funny, and very good at what he does. He brings positive energy into the office every single day and is in a good mood 100% of the time."
Cassandra K.
"I still can't say enough good things about Dr. D. and his staff. My level of care remains excellent and Dr. D continues to go above and beyond to take care of my family's health, even helping my daughter find and transition to a new chiropractor when she moved out of state. Truly a practice that cares about its patients!"
Lisa C.
"Dr. D has to be one the most caring and supportive individuals I have ever met, I consider him a friend. Doc has taken care of me, my family, and a group of my friends. I will always recommend chiropractic care as a needed practice to maintain a healthy body and will only recommend Dr. Patrick DeFrancesco and the Chiropractor Health Center of Glastonbury to anyone I come across who is in need."
Christopher B.
"Great experience! Our whole family goes and we have referred other family members. Dr. Wade is awesome, he listens and wants what is best for his clients."
Kayla B.
"I felt heard, taken care of, treated with kindness and respect. Wonderful positive experience. A very welcoming office and staff. Definitely a five star establishment!"
Beth M.
"I lost my cousin (who was also a lifelong best friend) tragically back in November and happened to mention it during an adjustment, and a few days later, I received a handwritten sympathy card from Dr. Joe and the team. Things like that go a long way! I recommend CHCG without reservation."
Maxwell T.
Schedule an Appointment




    First AppointmentScheduling an AppointmentOther

    X