There are so many “things” that go into a great run, the perfect temperature, the right clothing, the right gear, the right sneakers–but all of those things are all on the outside, there is so much more to making sure your whole body is ready for the physical activity! Dynamic warm ups are awesome for warming the body up to get you ready for your run!
What is a Dynamic Warm up?
According to Greatist: “A dynamic warm up uses stretches that are “dynamic,” meaning you are moving as you stretch. For decades, static stretching, which requires holding a stretch for 10 or more seconds while motionless, was the most popular type of warm-up for athletes.”
It took me a while to learn that my run will go a lot better if I took a few minutes to actually stretch versus stepping out the door to run. There has been so much controversy whether or not you should do static stretching before you run but quite honestly it’s never worked for me. When I do dynamic stretching it helps me to loosen up quicker while warming up my joints.
Here is some of the moves that I do before I workout:
Today I am sharing 4 more awesome Dynamic Warmups for Runners from my favorite Runner Bloggers in our monthly Workouts For Runners series!
Related: 9 Powerful Mantras For Runners
Getting the body warm before running is fantastic, and you won’t regret it. Use any of these routines to get your body warm and ready for an awesome run!
Allie @ Vita Train 4 Life
Carly @ Fine Fit Day
Laura @ This Runner’s Recipes
Angela @ Happy Fit Mama
Do you warm up before physical activity or do you just wing it?
If you liked these dynamic warm ups be sure to check out:
5 Unconventional Tips For New Runners
Must Have Hydration Tips & Tricks For Runners
6 Must Have Treadmill Workouts For Runners
7 comments
Like so much in running (and life) it all comes down to what works for the individual. You already know my dynamic warm-up confession but I also know plenty of runners who do not run one step without a warm-up!
Love sharing this space with you each month!
I usually just wing it myself, but definitely nice to see what others do and will have to keep in mind to possibly give a try now 😉
I am a long time long distance runner! I mean over 100,000 miles long. I never stretched before running, just started slowly and picked up speed as I went. However, I am also a martial artist. Oh yeah, I also hate to stretch, lol but I do constantly. I used to do static stretching and ALWAYS pulled something sooner or later. Then I wised up and now only do dynamic stretching as you suggest. NEVER injured myself that way, so far 🙂
I have never considered this but I certainly will. Unlike Dr. J, I’m less long distance and I’m more short, intense bursts of inspiration. I now know there’s a name and even a category for that in running!
I can’t start a workout or run without doing a dynamic warm-up! Makes such a difference in just how I feel and certainly how fast I feel I can run.
I’m always short on time, and rarely take the time to stretch properly. I know that it’s awful, and I should really stretch more. Definitely need to try out these stretches next time I get to work out!
I waiver between just heading out the door for my runs and doing a dynamic warm up before I leave the house. Unfortunately, sometimes it depends on if I’m nursing an injury or tightness. If I feel good, I just go. Being more consistent with my warming up is something I definitely struggle with!