Get the most out of your quad stretch
Perhaps one of the most common stretches for runners, the quad stretch is incredibly effective at relieving muscle soreness. Located at the front of your thighs, these four muscles are responsible for various movements and activities, helping you walk, run, jump, and even hold your weight when you stand up straight. As you can imagine, tightness in this area can significantly impact basic day-to-day activities, let alone your running training. Causing leg pain, lower back pain, and difficulty standing and walking, tight quads can put you at greater risk of sustaining injuries, especially for your knees.
Stretching this all-important muscle group can improve your recovery, avoid injuries and aid your performance. Stretching increases blood flow and stimulates your muscles to reduce tightness. It increases your short-term range of motion, but over time, it increases your long-term flexibility, allowing you to stretch deeper for longer.
All in all, quad stretches should be a part of your training routine. It is not a passive exercise; even though it may seem simple, you must do it correctly to get the most out of its benefits. Check out our top tip below and ensure you are getting the most out of your stretch.