Starting a run without warming up is like driving a car hard before the engine has time to warm up. You might get away with it occasionally, but over time, it increases wear, reduces efficiency, and raises the risk of breakdown.

This guide explains why dynamic warm-ups matter, how they work, and exactly what exercises runners should perform before training or racing.

Running is one of the easiest and most popular ways to exercise. All you really need is a pair of shoes and a place to run, whether it’s on a road, a trail, or a treadmill. But have you ever wondered if the way you run could be causing you pain or even lead to injury? At Tualatin Valley Physical Therapy, we offer running analyses to help you improve your form and run with less discomfort.