Stretching at the Trailhead

I always keep an eye out for folks who are stretching at the trailhead. I know they are strong and savvy hikers, willing to invest a few minutes in their muscles.

Stretching your muscles is a free insurance policy. It prevents sore muscles the next day, it minimizes the chances of muscle cramps or torn ligaments, it sends nourishing blood flowing into your muscles, and if you've never tried it - Ah! It feels great.

Here's an easy one to try: Grab hold of the car (I use the hatch when it's open) with one hand, bend your opposite knee and grab that ankle to pull it back toward your thigh. Hold it for the count of 20. Feel that stretch? Now do the other leg.

Another easy one: reach for the sky with both hands, then reach for the ground and pull downward on your wrists to loosen your upper body.

Other fast stretches: touch your toes, or at least attempt to. This will stretch out the opposing muscles from the stretch above. Or how about walking around on your tip toes, then on your heels to stretch your calves. Doing a few ankle rolls, both directions, feels good.

Afraid you'll look silly? Who cares? You won't look silly when you blow past the non-stretchers as they slowly (perhaps painfully) work their way uphill!

Stretches both before and after a hike really do make a difference in next day soreness and in hiking performance. For more serious stretches, email me.