A Runner's Guide to Quick Warm Ups

Let's face it – warm-up routines before a run often feels like an unnecessary task. It's tempting to skip it, save a few minutes, and start a run. But, are those skipped warm-ups actually impacting your run more than you realise? In this guide, we'll give you some quick hacks to make them a simple part of your running routine.

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Save Time by Warming Up On The Way

Heading down to a track or the nearby park? Maximise your time by incorporating your warm-ups into the beginning of your run. Instead of dedicating a separate chunk of time at home to warm-up, start with a brisk walk that naturally transitions into a light jog. This not only saves time, but also seamlessly integrates your warm-up into the initial phase of your run.

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Prioritise Warm Ups To the Core and Lower Body Muscles

When time is of the essence, focus on the essentials – your core and lower body. These muscle groups play a pivotal role in your running mechanics, and by warming them up, helps to reduce injury to these muscle groups. Incorporate dynamic stretches like leg swings, knee lifts, and hip circles to specifically target these areas. By prioritizing these key muscle groups, you ensure that your body is well-prepared for the demands of running, making your warm-up both efficient and effective.

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Incorporate dynamic movements for a lively warm-up

To save time, ditch static stretches and opt for dynamic movements to invigorate your body and kickstart your run. Engage in activities like high knees, butt kicks, and leg swings that mimic the motions of running. These dynamic exercises not only increase blood flow and flexibility but also activate your muscles in a way that primes them for the dynamic nature of your run.

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Need some help on what possible warm-ups you could do while heading there? Here’s a video on how to by Fleet Feet:

Anyways, I hope this article has helped you understand more on how you can do warm-ups easily. For more information on how you can push yourself to run better, check out our running app RunAI here. Until then, stay running!