How to Warm Up Before Running: 10 Pre-Run Warm-Ups To Boost Your Performance

If you’re new to running, you may be tempted to just lace up your shoes and hit the pavement – without a proper warm-up. However, warming up before running is essential for preventing injury and improving your performance. In this post, we’ll discuss the importance of warming up before running, 10 pre-run warm-ups you can use to prevent injury and boost performance and the risks of running without taking the time to warm-up.

The Importance of a Warm Up Before Running

Warming up before running helps prepare your body for the physical demands of running. It increases blood flow to your muscles, improves joint mobility, and increases your heart rate and breathing rate. A good warm-up also helps mentally prepare you for your run, which can improve your focus and reduce your risk of injury.

10 Pre-Run Warm-Ups

1. Brisk Walk

Begin by walking at a moderate pace for 5-10 minutes to get your heart rate up and your muscles warmed up.

2. Hip Circles

Stand tall with your feet shoulder-width apart and hands on your hips. Start rotating your hips in a circular motion, first clockwise and then counterclockwise.

3. Leg Swings

Stand facing a wall with your hands on the wall for balance. Swing one leg forward and backward, then side to side, while keeping your torso straight. Repeat with the other leg.

4. Knee Raises

Stand tall with your feet hip-width apart. Lift one knee up towards your chest and hold it for a few seconds, then lower it back down. Repeat with the other leg.

5. Ankle Circles

Stand tall with your feet hip-width apart. Lift one foot off the ground and rotate your ankle in a circular motion. Repeat with the other foot.

6. Lunges

Step forward with one leg, bending your knee until your thigh is parallel to the ground. Keep your torso straight and hold for a few seconds. Push back to your starting position and repeat with the other leg.

7. High Knees

Stand tall with your feet hip-width apart. Lift one knee up towards your chest, while keeping your torso straight. Quickly bring it back down, then repeat with the other leg.

8. Butt Kicks

Stand tall with your feet hip-width apart. Lift one heel up towards your butt and quickly bring it back down, then repeat with the other leg. Keep your torso straight and avoid leaning forward or backward.

9. Side Shuffles

Stand tall with your feet hip-width apart. Take a few steps to the side, then shuffle back to your starting position. Keep your feet pointed straight ahead and your torso stable throughout the movement.

10. Jumping Jacks

Stand tall with your feet together and your arms at your sides. Jump your feet out to shoulder-width apart while raising your arms overhead, then jump back to your starting position. Keep your movements controlled and avoid overextending your joints.

Is It Okay to Run Without a Warm-Up?

While it’s technically okay to run without a warm-up, it’s not recommended. Running without a proper warm-up increases your risk of injury, particularly to your muscles, joints, and tendons. It also limits your performance, as your muscles and joints may not be properly prepared for the demands of running. So, make sure to take a few minutes to warm up before you hit the pavement.

Wrap Up

Warming up before running is an essential part of any running routine, particularly for beginners. These 10 pre-run warm-ups are a great place to start, but feel free to mix and match them based on your preferences and needs. Remember, taking a few minutes to warm up can help prevent injury, improve your performance, and make your runs more enjoyable.