What stretches could i do to increase my flexibility for longer/better strides?

Question

What stretches could i do to increase my flexibility for longer/better strides?

Answer 1

There are many, but here's a few with description.

Hamstring Stretch
Sit on the ground with both legs straight out in front of you
Bend the left leg and place the sole of the left foot alongside the knee of the right leg
Allow the left leg to lie relaxed on the ground
Bend forward keeping the back straight

Calf Stretch
Stand tall with one leg in front of the other, hands flat and at shoulder height against a wall.
Ease your back leg further away from the wall, keeping it straight and press the heel firmly into the floor
Keep your hips facing the wall and the rear leg and spine in a straight line

Hip and Thigh Stretch
Stand tall with you feet approximately two shoulder widths apart
Turn the feet and face to the right
Bend the right leg so that the right thigh is parallel with the ground and the right lower leg is vertical
Gradually lower the body
Keep you back straight and use the arms to balance

Adductor Stretch
Stand tall with you feet approximately two shoulder widths apart
Bend the right leg and lower the body
Keep you back straight and use the arms to balance

Groin Stretch
Sit with tall posture
Ease both of your feet up towards your body and place the soles of your feet together, allowing your knees to come up and out to the side
Resting your hands on your lower legs or ankles and ease both knees towards the ground

Iliotibial Band Stretch
Sitting tall with legs stretched out in front of you
Bend the right knee and place the right foot on the ground to the left side of the left knee
Turn your shoulders so that you are facing to the right
Using your left arm against your right knee to help ease you further round
Use your right arm on the floor for support

Quadriceps Stretch
Lie face down on the floor, resting your fore-head on your right hand
Press your hips firmly into the floor and bring your left foot up towards your buttocks
Take hold of the left foot with the left hand and ease the foot closer to you buttocks

Answer 2

Lunges are by far the best stretches to extend your strides. Hip based stretches are also very useful. Doing pilates properly will help too, especially ones like high knees and butt kicks. But you have to do them right, otherwise your just wasting your time.

Answer 3

Nothing beats Pilates for increasing quality of strides. Yoga is just for flexibility, but pilates does the same and more for runners.

Answer 4

I say try yoga, it's great for flexibility generally. Then you can apply some of the yoga stretches before running.

Answer 5

Look up types of active stretches before you do a work out, and then static stretches after the work out. It has been proven that static stretching before a workout is not as beneficial

Answer 6

Try the link below for some good stretches to do before running. Hope they help. Happy running!

- Mike

Answer 7

lunges