GB Athletes demonstrating a Standing Pike Stretch from the Front Split Stretch Series.

Not only is running a welcome escape from many of the distractions of modern-day living, it's also exhilarating. Unless, of course, you are dealing with tight hips, ankles, feet or a plethora of other limitations. The good news is that no matter where your current flexibility lies, you too can achieve increased mobility and better enjoy running using our Online Stretch Courses!

Running is a great form of cardiovascular training, and is one of the most common fitness hobbies in the world. There is an innate attraction to being able to “drop everything and run,” and it is a welcome escape from many of the distractions of modern-day living. A problem arises, however, when trainees only engage in running without the proper physical preparation and necessary mobility requirements.

As a group, runners happen to be one of the most commonly injured athletes. This is in part largely due to the lack of variety in the ranges of motion present in running. For many runners, the average workout consists solely of running, possibly adding a brief warm-up or cool-down stretch here or there. The hips, knees, and ankles only move through a small portion of their possible range of motion therefore, and these joints will stiffen up over time due to lack of use.

In order to get the most out of running, train optimally and supplement your running with the GB Front Split Series. Performed properly, the front splits require adequate mobility and flexibility throughout your hips and lower body. This includes your glutes, hamstrings, and calves, as well as your hip flexors and quads. Here are 3 front split stretches that you can include in your training today to maximize the benefits of your running.

Front Split Stretches for Runners

Starting from the ground up, the GymnasticBodies Curled Seiza stretch is perfect to increase the flexibility in your toes, feet, and ankles. No matter what your running technique, if you have excess tightness in this area, then you will have negative upstream consequences in the form of knee or hip pain. To perform this stretch, simply sit on your heels with your toes curled under your feet.

Moving up the leg, the GymnasticBodies Standing Pike stretch from the Front Split Series is a simple yet effective hamstring flexibility exercise that can help undo some of the negative side effects of running. One of the most common complaints that many runners have is that their hamstrings often feel tight, and this is precisely the stretch that will help fix that issue. Standing with your feet together and legs straight, hinge at your hips and reach all the way down to the floor.

The Standing Pike Stretch is a great exercise to improve your hamstring flexibility.

Another crucial Front Split stretch for runners is the GymnasticBodies Bent Vertical Lunge. This position will open up the hip flexors and stretch the quads, two essential components of a properly performed Front Split. The repetitive stress of landing on the ground when running typically tends to cause excess tightness in these areas, especially when combined with long periods of sitting at a desk. To get the most out of this stretch, kneel with one leg close to a wall, and lunge forward with a bent leg, keeping your chest upright.

The Bent Vertical Lunge Stretch is a great hip flexor stretch from the GB Front Split Series.

Summary

1. Try the Curled Seiza stretch to increase the flexibility in your toes, feet, and ankles.
2. The Standing Pike position will help loosen up your lower back, glutes, and hamstrings.
3. Do the Bent Vertical Lunge stretch against the wall to open up your hip flexors and quads.
4. Running is a fantastic form of exercise, and supplement your running with the Front Split Series in order to stay healthy and injury-free.