Five yoga poses perfect for cooling down after a run

| 2 min read

no
Yoga is amazing on its own as well as a great way to wind down before bedtime, relieve pain and cross train. But you may not realize that it’s also an ideal way to cool down after a run. Striking a few poses after you’ve hammered out five miles will stretch you out and slowly lower your heart rate. Most poses are beneficial after a run, but this routine is a good place to start.
9707554768_084d686ab4_z
Downward Dog: This common stretch will work out your hamstrings, calves and shoulders—all of which can get tight after a run. Start on hands and knees, then lift knees up off the floor and straighten legs (it’s okay if your knees stay somewhat bent). Lift sit-bones to the ceiling and keep back straight as you push heels towards floor to feel the stretch.
Warrior 1: Give your hip flexors some attention with this classic yoga pose that combines balance skill and lunging motions. From Downward Dog, step right foot up so that it’s between your hands. Turn your left heel in and stand up into a lunge with hips facing the front of your mat. Lift up your arms, place palms together above your head and look at your hands while staying in the lunge position. Repeat on other side.
Figure 4 Pose: Loosen up the outside of your hips with this pose, which also stretches out your inner thighs. Lie on your back, cross one ankle over opposite thigh, and interlace fingers behind the thigh. Pull thigh towards your chest, then repeat on other side.
Diamond Pose: Don’t forget about your quads! This kneeling pose will keep them nice and relaxed after your run. Start on hands and knees, then tuck your toes under and sit back on your heels. Sit there for a few breaths at a time.
Pigeon Pose: Many runners suffer from tight IT bands—this pose will target that area of your outer leg. From all fours, take the right knee and bring it towards your right hand. Then slide your left leg back as you lower your hips to the floor (keep your hips squared to the floor). For a deeper stretch, slide your right foot forward towards your left hand.
This blog post is part of #HealthyMe, a personalized web experience based on your health and wellness goals. To sign up today, visit https://www.ahealthiermichigan.org/healthyme.
Check out these blog posts if you enjoyed this one:
Photo credit: Dave Rosenblum

A Healthier Michigan is sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, a nonprofit, independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association.
No Personal Healthcare Advice or Other Advice
This Web site provides general educational information on health-related issues and provides access to health-related resources for the convenience of our users. This site and its health-related information and resources are not a substitute for professional medical advice or for the care that patients receive from their physicians or other health care providers.
This site and its health-related information resources are not meant to be the practice of medicine, the practice of nursing, or to carry out any professional health care advice or service in the state where you live. Nothing in this Web site is to be used for medical or nursing diagnosis or professional treatment.
Always seek the advice of your physician or other licensed health care provider. Always consult your health care provider before beginning any new treatment, or if you have any questions regarding a health condition. You should not disregard medical advice, or delay seeking medical advice, because of something you read in this site.