Minute 4: Understand your “prehab” type for lower injury risk

Everyone knows an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, which is why the SMM Run Club head coach Greg McMillan urges runners to prioritize prehab, the work you do now so you don’t have to do rehab later.

In “What is your Prehab Type?,” Greg suggests that identifying your personality profile is the first step to sticking with a routine. You might be a "Minimalist" who just wants to run and needs high-return exercises, or a "Sometimes-er" who possesses the recovery tools but lacks consistency. Then there’s the "Gym Rat" who loves lifting but might be prioritizing raw strength over running-specific benefits.

Once you figure out if you need a quick fix or a dedicated program, you’ll need a menu of movements to choose from. Fortunately, Women's Health offers a solid starting point with: “The Best Mobility Exercises To Improve Your Range Of Motion And Help Nix Aches And Pains.” While static stretching develops flexibility, the experts here put the focus on mobility and strength with dynamic movement. They showcase 10 key exercises via short videos, including the World's Greatest Stretch (a lunging rotation), 90/90 Hip Switches, and Cat Cows.

Generally, runners should aim to incorporate mobility work two to three times a week to start, perhaps selecting just three of these moves if you fit that Minimalist profile.

Source:
Six Minute Mile Newsletter