Goal-based stretches

Post-Run Stretches for Runners

Calf, ankle, hip flexor, quad, hamstring, IT band, and glute stretches for running recovery.

Use this hub after easy runs, long runs, speed sessions, or whenever calves and hips feel loaded.

Page guide

17

matching guided routines

46

individual stretches

Start here

Guided routines for runners

Exercises

Stretches for runners

0:30full body

Sit-to-Stand

Sit tall on the front of a sturdy chair, lean forward, and stand up slowly. Lower back down with control.

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0:30calves feet

Heel Raises

Hold a wall or chair, rise onto the balls of both feet, then lower your heels slowly.

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0:30hips

Low Lunge Reach

Step one foot forward, lower the back knee, and reach the same-side arm overhead.

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0:30spine

Standing Roll Down

Soften your knees and roll down one vertebra at a time, then rebuild your posture slowly.

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0:30hips

Seated Figure Four

Cross one ankle over the opposite thigh and hinge forward with a long spine.

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0:30full body

World's Greatest Stretch

Move from lunge to elbow drop to open rotation, staying controlled through each position.

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0:30hamstrings

Hamstring Floss

Shift between a bent-knee lunge and a straightened front leg to glide the hamstring.

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0:30spine

Knees to Chest

Hug both knees in and breathe into the low back without forcing the range.

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0:30spine

Supine Twist

Let both knees fall to one side while the opposite shoulder stays heavy.

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0:30calves feet

Calf Wall Stretch

Press the back heel down with toes forward and lean into the wall.

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0:30quads

Couch Stretch

Place one shin against a wall or couch and lift the torso gradually.

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0:30hips

Pigeon Variation

Set up a comfortable pigeon shape or use a reclined figure four if your hips prefer it.

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0:30recovery

Legs Up the Wall

Rest your legs up a wall or couch and let the breath become slower.

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0:30spine

Seated Spinal Twist

Sit tall, cross one leg if comfortable, and rotate gently from the ribs.

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0:30quads

Side-Lying Quad Stretch

Lie on one side, hold the top ankle, and draw the knee slightly behind the hip.

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0:30quads

Standing Quad Stretch

Hold one ankle behind you and keep the knees close while standing tall.

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0:30hips

90/90 Hip Switch

Sit in a 90/90 shape and rotate both knees side to side with control.

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0:30hips

90/90 Forward Fold

Fold over the front shin from a 90/90 position while keeping the spine long.

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0:30hips

Deep Squat Hold

Sink into a comfortable squat and use elbows or a block for support.

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0:30hips

Lizard Lunge

Step into a wide lunge with both hands inside the front foot.

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0:30hips

Happy Baby

Lie on your back, hold feet or thighs, and let the knees drop wide.

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0:30hamstrings

Supine Hamstring Strap

Loop a strap or towel around one foot and extend the leg toward the ceiling.

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0:30hamstrings

Wide-Leg Forward Fold

Stand with feet wide, hinge at the hips, and let the torso fold toward the floor.

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0:30hamstrings

Pyramid Stretch

Step one foot back, square the hips, and fold over the front leg.

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0:30full body

Downward Dog Pedal

Lift hips into downward dog and alternate bending one knee while lengthening the other heel.

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0:30calves feet

Ankle Knee-to-Wall

Drive one knee toward the wall while keeping the heel planted.

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0:30calves feet

Bent-Knee Calf Stretch

Bend the back knee slightly while keeping the heel down to target the lower calf.

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0:30hips

Shin Box Lift

Sit in a shin box position and lift the hips slightly, then lower with control.

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0:30recovery

Glute Bridge Hold

Press feet into the floor and lift hips until the front of the hips opens.

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0:30quads

Quad Rock Back

From hands and knees, shift hips back toward heels within a comfortable range.

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0:30hips

Standing Hip Flexor Tilt

Step into a short split stance and tuck the pelvis until the back hip opens.

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0:30hamstrings

Hamstring Sweep

Reach hips back, straighten the front leg, and sweep hands toward the toes.

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0:30calves feet

Reclined Ankle Circles

Lie back, lift one leg slightly, and circle the ankle in both directions.

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0:30recovery

Supported Forward Fold

Fold forward over pillows or a chair so the body can fully relax.

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0:30hamstrings

Wall Hamstring Scoot

Lie near a wall with one leg up and adjust distance until the stretch is steady.

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0:30quads

Prone Quad Strap

Lie on your stomach and use a strap or hand to draw one heel toward the glute.

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0:30hamstrings

Seated Hamstring Stretch

Sit toward the front of the chair, extend one leg with the heel on the floor, and hinge gently forward from the hips.

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0:30full body

Seated March

Sit tall and lift one knee toward the ceiling, lower it with control, then lift the other — a slow, steady march.

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0:30calves feet

Seated Ankle Circles

Extend one leg slightly and draw slow circles with your foot, both directions, then switch feet.

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0:30hips

Seated Knee Hug

Sit tall, clasp under one knee, and draw it gently toward your chest. Hold, then switch legs.

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0:30hips

Standing Side Leg Lift

Stand tall holding a wall or chair back, and lift one leg out to the side with the toes facing forward. Lower with control and repeat, then switch.

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0:30hamstrings

Standing Hamstring Stretch

Step one heel a little forward on the floor, keep that leg straight with toes up, and hinge gently forward from the hips. Switch legs.

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0:30hips

Standing Outer-Hip Stretch

Cross one foot behind the other, reach the same-side arm overhead, and lean gently away. Switch sides.

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0:30full body

Standing March

Stand tall near a wall and march slowly in place, lifting each knee toward hip height with a steady rhythm.

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0:30full body

Heel-to-Toe Balance

Place one foot directly in front of the other, heel touching toe, and hold steady. Keep a wall within reach. Switch feet.

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0:30recovery

Seated Forward Fold

With feet wide, slide your hands down your legs and fold gently forward over your thighs, letting the head and arms hang heavy.

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FAQ

Should runners stretch before or after running?

Use dynamic mobility before running and calmer holds after running or later in the day.

What areas should runners stretch?

Prioritize calves, ankles, hip flexors, quads, hamstrings, glutes, and outer hips.