Hello! I’ve been running almost everyday and try to squeeze in a quick yoga (20-30mins) routine before my runs, but I noticed my legs cramp up pretty bad the next morning. So my question is, is it more beneficial to do the yoga routine before or after the run? I still do stretch a bit after, but nothing serious.
Thanks!
-Austin H
Hey, I’m no expert on this, but I reckon it would be better to do your yoga practice after your run. Judging by some of the comments on the link to the yoga for runners class, it seems that they do their yoga afterwards rather than before. Maybe it’s worth doing this class after your next run if you’ve not done so already and see how you get on. I hope that helps.
https://www.doyogawithme.com/content/yoga-runners-injury-prevention
Warm up before your run to get the blood circulating. Try five sun salutations. After your run stretch very deeply to release the leg muscles that are contracted from the work they just did from the run. If your don’t stretch, your muscles will remain contracted. Muscles only have so much potential for strength. If they remain contracted, that much potential strength is already used up. You will feel better and stronger deeply stretching after any vigorous workout, run or physical work. Mel
I would say it depends. If you wake up in the morning with gentle stretches and openers, you could transition into an energizing yoga class that doesn’t include too many held Warrior 2’s or chair poses, then go for your run, and finish with more stretching and openers.
Alternately, you could wake up in the morning with gentle stretches and openers, go for a run, and then do a more intense, deep tissue yoga class (since running with good posture activates all muscle groups) that ends with either stretching or shavasana - depending upon your desired energy level for the day.
Personally, I prefer the latter, but your body is your temple.