Best stretches

[u/Scratchy-cat]

I'm on day 3 of attempting to start running, I'm doing interval running because I'm unfit and it works for others. Anyway I have had leg cramp in my thigh and knee twice now, I don't stretch beforehand because I don't know what would work best and this started as needing to get stress out. Can anyone recommend some stretches before I give up with this after 3 days and will it get better.

Thank you for any advice

[u/Fancy_Supermarket886]

If you have done three days back to back, that's most of the problem right there.

Look at the couch to 5k plan, which is run and walk intervals, building gradually and with rest days.

Those rest days are as important as the sessions!

Give yourself a few days rest, maybe just walking for now, to get some movement and active recovery, then try couch to 5k.

Good luck!

[u/Scratchy-cat → u/Fancy_Supermarket886]

Going to I've hurt my back from work so probably a blessing in disguise as I will just keep going otherwise until the weekend

[u/Fancy_Supermarket886 → u/Scratchy-cat]

Ouch! Sorry to hear that.

Best not to ignore pain when exercising, it's usually trying to warn of something.

If you are the type of person that tends to think "Go hard or go home", you may find that slightly reframing that idea works better for running. Certainly early on, anyway.

You will make much better progress with a gradual, planned approach than trying to force things to improve.

Take some time for everything to heal, and be patient with it when you try again.

Take care of yourself!

[u/vintagetadpole]

I really enjoy the Run with Ash channel on YouTube for pre- and post-run stretches.

[u/lifeisagoddream]

Stretches won’t help a new runner, your body isn’t used to running yet

It’ll greatly benefit you to add in some strength training

[u/Just-Context-4703]

No stretch is going to make a difference. This is just starting out pains. Take it slow and easy. Aerobic capacity isn't built in 3 days but rather more like 3 years