This is vital not only because it feels so damn good, but also because youneedthose days to recover.
Sometimes, rest days canand shouldbe just that,days with zero exercise at allon your schedule.
Enter:active recovery, or gentle movement thats a lot less intense than your typical workout.
Katie Thompson
You might choose to take a (light!)
yoga class, go for an easy walk, or spend some quality time with your foam roller.
Runners who regularly work on mobility may reduce pain and stiffness while also improving performance, Katz says.
Katie Thompson
These sessions also offer an opportunity to noticeand addressany minor imbalances before they turn into pain or injuries.
The couch stretch relieves tightness and improves mobility in your quads, back, core, and hips.
Note that it can feel intenseespecially if you have knee problems.
Katie Thompson
If it feels too intense, you could sub in the standing quad stretch from yourcooldown routine.
Active Recovery #2
What you need:Just an exercise mat for comfort.
Keep your groin and hip muscles mobile and flexible with this small but effective movement.
Katie Thompson
Another one-two punch: The hip-opening power of pigeon pose meets a dynamic quad stretch.
Photography: Katie Thompson.
Wardrobe styling: Kathleen Thomas.
Katie Thompson
Hair: Walton Nunez.
Makeup: Miranda Richards.
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Katie Thompson
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Katie Thompson
Katie Thompson
Katie Thompson
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Katie Thompson
Katie Thompson
Katie Thompson
Katie Thompson
Katie Thompson
