Back Exercises

Tips for Runners

Running and jogging are great health-boosting activities, but be sure to take necessary precautions to prevent injury.

• Get Proper Shoes – have your feet examined and your running shoes professionally fitted.
  
• Stretch – perform stretching exercises on a regular basis, as well as just prior to and following a run.
• Strengthen – strengthening the muscles in the front of the calf and hamstrings, to counteract tight calves and quadriceps, prevents shin splints by reducing tension exerted on the tibial bone.
• Be Aware of Posture and Foot Position – keep you center of gravity in front of your foot strike, not behind it. Also, avoid landing on the heel or ball of your foot.
• Respect Pain – “Running through the pain” often escalates a minor injury into a major one. If you are in pain stop and make adjustments to your gait and posture before proceeding. If these adjustments don’t help, hang up your running shoes until you have a full chiropractic evaluation.
• Consult with your doctor before embarking on a new exercise routine and get regular chiropractic adjustments! Not only can your doctor restore your spine to optimal health, she can also alleviate any knee, ankle, foot, or joint pain sidelining your running.