Not stretching regularly
WORDS: TINA CHANTREY / ILLUSTRATION: TEYO DAVISON-ROBLEDA
SCHOOLGIRL ERRORS
ERROR #14
THE LESSON
Why neglecting stretching could increase your injury risk.
THE TEACHER
Liberty Cox, strength and conditioning trainer at Sweat by BXR.
Anyone who exercises needs to stretch. However, the reality is, many of us don’t do it, especially before and after running. Running will make your legs strong and powerful, but also tight. Every stride forces your quads, hamstrings, calves and hips to flex and extend over and over, to power you through your workout. Over time, your muscles and tendons can develop tension, scar tissue and imbalances that result in painful injuries. IT band syndrome and Achilles tendonitis are just two that many runners will be familiar with.