Injury Prevention

To become fitter, stronger, and faster, you'll need to train consistently—without getting hurt. Often, injuries start small and gradually grow into larger problems, the same way a chip in your car's windshield can gradually spread into cracks.

Dynamic Stretching February 05th, 2012 |

According to fitness coach Phil Wharton, a little stretching is much better than none. “It doesn't need to be a big ordeal,” says Wharton, who created the Wharton Performance program with his father, Jim. “If your time is limited, you can still take steps to prepare your muscles for activity.”

Articles By Topic

Stretching

Improved flexibility can help prevent some injuries. If you're pressed for time, a few easy exercises can counteract the muscle imbalances and tightening that are common side effects of running.

Treatment

If something hurts when you run, don’t hesitate to have it checked out. As with many ailments, early detection is key to a speedy recovery. Your primary-care physician may recommend a specialist to diagnose and treat your specific problem. From there, you'll likely begin a rehab program to help get you back on the road.

Staying Healthy

The best way to handle injuries is to avoid them. By taking preventive action, you can improve your body’s overall strength and balance so that you can run as far and fast as you want—and experience the true joy of running.

OUR EXPERTS

Dana Slamp

Dana Slamp is a senior teacher at Pure Yoga who leads teacher trainings and workshops across the country. Her work with runners has been featured by CBS News, and ABC News has showcased her blend of music and yoga.

Mike Keohane

Mike Keohane is a New York City–based running coach and a sports pedorthist and manager of RUN by Foot Locker, a running specialty store. He is a longtime competitive marathoner with a PR of 2:16.

Phil Wharton

The co-founder and president of Wharton Performance, Phil Wharton is a trainer, therapist, and author who has worked with many luminaries in the sports world, from NFL stars to Olympic gold medalists.

Jerry Macari

Jerry Macari is owner of the Urban Athletics running store and the founder and head coach of RunUrban training programs. He is a competitive marathoner and a USA Track and Field certified coach.

Jim Cavin

Jim Cavin is manager of Yorkville Physical Therapy and Lower Manhattan Physical Therapy. He is a strength and conditioning specialist and personal trainer who has worked with athletes at all levels.

Gurjeet Chadha

Gurjeet Chadha, DPT, is a physical therapist specializing in orthopedics and founder of Brick-Run Sports Physical Therapy in New York City. He played Division I tennis in college, and frequently competes in triathlons.

Jimmy Lynch

Jimmy Lynch is a physiotherapist and personal fitness coach whose focus is on injury prevention and rehabilitation. He is also a competitive distance runner.

Scott Cohen

Scott Cohen is a is a certified fitness trainer, a multisport coach who teaches running and biking classes, an Ironman triathlete, and an experienced marathon and ultra-marathon runner.