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Two reasons running is so popular?

Its an accessible and affordable hobby.

man in a blue long sleeve shirt and black shorts running against a grey paved wall

And it helps reduce the chance of injury, so you might have a stronger, more enjoyable run.

You may even take off a layer or two.

Its time to hit those winter miles without a niggle in sight.

Man outdoors on grass performing a single leg squat variation with hands on hips and right leg extended behind left

Squat reach

This exercise engages the lower body muscles, shoulders and upper back.

It also helps fire up the hips and engage your core:

2.

Lunge twists

This exercise will warm up the quads, calves, hamstrings and glutes and activate your abs.

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Leg kicks

This dynamic kicking exercise targets the hamstrings while engaging your glutes and challenging balance.

It also switches on your core muscles and helps get the blood flowing:

5.

Butt kicks

Butt kicks are a great way to warm up the hamstrings and knees without loading the muscles.

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Amobility routinealso gets your heart pumping faster, which means more blood and oxygen flow through your body.

These movements are typically active and can mimic the exercises or activities youre about to perform.

This prepares the body to move better by activating the muscles youll use during running.

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Researchers fromBoise State Universityfound that runners who warm up with dynamic stretching improved running economy and movement efficiency.

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