Leg Exercises

Want to be a runner but not sure how to start? Read on and this post will give you tips to be a runner.

Firstly, we need to need to work on the hamstrings muscles.

Hamstrings Muscle

Strengthen
Wide-Leg Squat

Stand with your feet just wider than shoulder-width apart. Bend the knees and slowly lower your butt until your thighs are nearly horizontal to floor (don't let your knees move forward beyond your toes). Slowly press back up to a standing position. Start with one set of 6 to 8 repetitions and slowly work up to three sets of 10 to 15.

Stretch
Cross-Over Stretch

In a standing position, cross your right leg over your left, with your feet close together, and then slowly roll your upper body down toward the floor until you feel a gentle stretch (not pain!) along the back of left leg. Hold for 30 seconds. Switch legs, repeating twice on each side.

Secondly, we need to work on the calves.

Calves Muscles

Strengthen
Single-Leg Raisers

Stand on one leg on the edge of a stair or curb. Your forefoot should be on the step with your heel hanging off the back. Gently lower your heel toward the ground, and then slowly lift back up so that your body weight is on the ball of your foot. You may lightly touch the stairway railings for balance, but don't put weight on your arms; your calf muscle should be doing the work. Start with 5 reps on each side, and build up to three sets of 10 to 15 with each leg.

Stretch
The Drop-Off Stretch

Start standing on one leg on a stair or curb, with your heel hanging off the back (same starting position as for the single-leg raisers). Gently press your heel toward the ground until you feel a gentle pull along the back of your lower leg. Hold for 30 seconds. Then slowly bend your knee slightly, until you feel the stretch move lower on the calf. Hold 30 seconds. Switch legs, repeating twice on each side.
Hope that this tips will help you in a great start to be a runner. This tips is just on how to make your leg stronger. You need to do some jogging to build up your stamina which is very important.

From,
Soon Teck,
TeamNotSoCool