This post-run routine gives beat-up muscles a healing boost.
If you come to a screeching halt after racing or running hard, waste products and even your body’s own healing nutrients and chemicals can pool in your legs, creating extra inflammation that harms rather than heals. To avoid that, Robyn LaLonde, running coach and co-owner of Edge Athlete Lounge, a recovery studio in Chicago, developed this cool-down routine. It reduces swelling, calms your nervous system and sends a fresh supply of blood to carry nutrients to – and toxins from – fatigued muscles and joints. If more than 30 minutes have passed since your hard run, start with five to 10 minutes of brisk walking to bring your heart rate back up and reopen constricted vessels.
