Prevent the five most common running injuries

And if you failed and you are now injured, you still can do some exercise that can help: http://tribesports.com/tribes/exercising-while-injured

Run barefooted on the sand and grass is my favorite!! Read Born to Run, read Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy!! I enjoy running and a bunch of other stuff too so it's nice to do some little exercises like these to move my body differently than the running motion so Thanks Shine and Runner's World Thanks! :)-

Yes, run barefoot. Pay no attention to the rusty nails, broken glass, and small stones. Just make sure your tetanus shot is up to date.

Do you really want to stay injury free ??? Use a bicycle !! Go ArmSTRONG!!

I get squats - but what is the logic behind doing them on a downward slope?

I'm down with all the comments re: barefoot running and do a fair bit myself, but I think it's also important to acknowledge that it's not a good idea to drastically change your running style quickly. Most of us have been using shoes for decades and need to gradually adjust to barefoot running.

when can you buy the "step" and the decline board?

Kevin, you don't know what you're talking about. Of course if you ditch the shoes and go run a marathon on your first barefoot run, your feet will hurt. Your feet would hurt if you go run a marathon with shoes on if you haven't trained for it. "Protecting" your feet with shoes simply makes them weaker. It's the same concept of wearing a cast on your broken arm. You remove the cast and the bones and muscles are weaker until they grow back to being stronger.

Read the book Born to Run...that will change the way you look at running, shoes, and injuries. Be prepared for Nike to tell you that you need a more supportive shoe.

Interesting...all the solutions to running injuries involve doing exercises barefoot. A few of the exercises also combat what your running shoes do to your feet (shortening Achilles tendon, plantar fasciitis, etc). If you need barefoot exercises to "fix" problems created by running shoes, you could simply prevent those problems by ditching the running shoes.

i was a workout instuctor for years and stretching is good for u but too much can hurt u ..and running barefoot is not good for your souls! because what were shoes invented for ?coussion and obsorbance of shock have u ever tried running for a day or two barefoot the next day the souls of ur feet hurt really bad and it can really hurt ur joints if u want to admit it or not! and cross traing/SWIMMING ,working out, streching , walking,biking etc. ARE ALL some of the best things to do for ur body;)

Does anyone have any stretches for POSTERIOR shin splints? The ones that are on the medial portion of your shin, distal 1/3rd from knee? Ugh. they are horrible!!! My husband gets them too.

I run for my school team and we do all of these but the best one for your legs is running barefoot on straight grassy ground. It feels good and loosen up your leg cramps. :PPPP Love running!!!!

Usain Bolt says stretching is for girls. Drink a 40 and chase cheetahs!

A well rounded exercise routine, streching after the muscles have warmed up (never strech cold muscles), and a rest a day or two a week to allow my body to recover. I feel great and if I didn't workout I would not have any energy. Great article!

Gotta agree with Kansel and Greg, the barefoot running works great for me. I had plantar fasciitis FIVE times between my early 20's and early 40's, but the last 6 years it has all been barefoot running (or waterproof sox in winter) and my feet are strong and healthy.

And running in Vibrams is NOT running barefoot, but will most likely lead to you getting a stress fracture in your foot.

A good pair of orthotics from eSoles took care of my PLANTAR FASCIITIS and ACHILLES TENDINITIS. These are far cheaper from the molded version you get from your podiatrist and they are customizable for any sport. I have done 6 full marathons and play tennis all the time and continue to run so I know how painful it is to suffer from these ailments. Stretching does help quite a bit combined with the proper inserts plus the right shoe for your foot and body type. I would also recommend that a consultation with a podiatrist be done to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment for knee or foot problems. The correct shoe for the right sport and fitting is definitely important to consider inlcuding the proper supports for your knees and ankles to support your weight.

run barefoot, kettlebells and yoga.

How to avoid injuries from running.
Step 1: DO NOT RUN
Step 2: Repeat and enjoy.

I got it. Stop running.

Don't run unless being chased by monsters! A brisk walk is easier on you and can be just as healthy. Especially if you are overweight the bones don't need the abuse!