Fit Body:

Post-Run Standing Hamstring Stretch

This standing hamstring stretch is easy post-run, since there’s no mat required. It also makes a nice transition from your cool-down heart rate to pre-exercise heart rate. Find anything stable about knee to hip-level high. Place your right foot up on the object. Your left knee should have a slight bend. Keep your hips squared forward. Lift your chest and hinge forward from your hips. Hold for 10-30 seconds, and then release. Next, lift your left foot up on the object. Lean forward, and then release.

*Consult your physician before exercise.

Post-Run Hamstring Stretch

Kneeling Hip Stretch

Stretching the front of your hips will feel good after sitting for a long period of time. You’ll also appreciate this stretch after a tough leg workout. Begin by kneeling with your right knee on the floor, and your left foot forward and flat. Next tuck your pelvis under and lean forward with your hips 2-3 inches. For more of a stretch, place a strap around your right foot and lift up slightly. Hold for 10-30 seconds, and then release. Repeat the stretch kneeling on your left knee, with your right foot forward and flat.

*Consult your physician before performing exercise.

Kneeling Hip Stretch

Standing Hamstring Stretch

Do this feel-good leg stretch after your next walking or running workout. Here’s how:

Begin standing straight facing a step, chair or railing. Lift up your right leg and place on object. Keeping your back straight, bend forward from your hips feeling a gentle stretch in the back of your right leg. Hold for 10-30 seconds, then release. Repeat the stretch with your left leg up. Bend forward slightly and hold for 10-30 seconds. Release.

*This stretch is for those without injury or balance concerns.

Feel-Good Leg Stretch

Front Thigh Stretch

The Front Thigh Stretch is a great exercise to do at the end of your walk, run or bike ride. Here’s how:

Begin standing tall with your feet together. Next, take a step back about 3 feet with your right foot. Lower your right knee down toward the floor until you feel a stretch in the front of your right hip and thigh. Hold for 10-30 seconds, then release. Repeat the stretch by stepping back with your left foot about 3 feet, and lower your left knee toward the floor. Hold for 10-30 seconds, then release.

*Consult your physician before performing exercise.

Post-Workout Stretch

Side Lunge Stretch

Do a Side Lunge Stretch to stretch your inner thigh, hamstring and calf muscles after a leg-day workout. Here’s how:

Stand with your feet slightly wider than hip-width. Keeping both feet flat, bend your right knee and lunge to your right side. Hold for 10-30 seconds, then release. Next, bend your left knee and lunge to your left side. Hold for 10-30 seconds, then release.

*Consult your physician before performing exercise.

Do this stretch after a leg-day workout

Get Fit Quick Tip:

Kneeling Hip Stretch

Do this Kneeling Hip Stretch after logging a cardio workout. Here’s how to start:

Begin kneeling on your right knee, with your left foot forward and flat. Keep your torso upright and straight. Let your hips fall forward, feeling a gentle stretch in your right front thigh. Hold for 10-30 seconds, then release. Repeat the stretch kneeling on your left knee with your right foot forward and flat. Let your hips fall forward. Hold for 10-30 seconds, then release.

*Consult your physician before performing exercise.

Post-Cardio Stretch

Get Fit Quick Tip:

Standing Hip Stretch

Do this post-run standing stretch to ease tired legs.

Stand on your right leg only. Cross your left ankle over your right knee, bend both hips and sit back into the stretch. Hold on for safety and balance. Hold the stretch for 15-30 seconds, then release. Repeat crossing your right ankle over your left knee, bend both hips and sit back feeling a gentle stretch in your tights and hips.

*Consult your physician before performing exercise.

Standing Hip Stretch

Get Fit Quick Tip:

Lunge Stretch for Runners

Stretch your leg muscles with this Lunge Stretch: Begin kneeling on your right knee, with your left foot forward and flat. Place one hand on the floor on either side of your body for support, or place your hands on your hips. Let both hips fall forward, feeling a slight stretch in the front of your right hip and thigh. For more of a stretch lift your right knee up about two-three inches off of the floor. Hold for 10-30 seconds, then release. Repeat the stretch kneeling on your left knee, and your right foot forward and flat.

*Consult your physician before performing exercise.

Lunge Stretch for Runners