Stretching / Physio / Mobility exercises based on running feedback

Hello everyone,

I’m new to Athletica and transitioned from just running, thinking it would be beneficial to utilize Polars Training Plans, written training plans, Garmin Coach, and now Athletica. :blush:

TLTR:
Could Athletica incorporate stretching/mobility workouts/physio exercises into the training plan? It would be great to have specific stretching/mobility/physio exercises included based on feedback from the runs. For instance, if I mention experiencing knee issues during a run, it would be helpful if Athletica could suggest strength workouts and stretching routines to support my knees or hips, etc.

I appreciate having some structure, but I find it challenging to adhere to a non-adaptive plan since running should fit into my life (running isn’t my entire life! :blush:). I hope Athletica will be the right fit for me.

All my previous options had their pros and cons, which is why I’m no longer using them. As a hobbyist who enjoys participating in races, my two main goals on race day are either to finish or to beat my personal best.

This also means I don’t delve deeply into data or training plans, which can lead to issues over time, something I’ve experienced after several years of running.

What I would like to see is not only adaptive running workouts but also adaptive strength and stretching routines based on feedback from my various runs. I checked out https://www.exakthealth.com/, a German startup, and while they lack an adaptive training plan (despite claiming, they are similar to Garmin’s plans), they do offer exercises and plans to address common pain points with physiotherapy exercises.

I would really appreciate Athletica’s assistance in this area as well. A personal coach is quite expensive, especially considering that I view running as a simple and enjoyable hobby. However, as I increase my mileage month by month, having more guidance would be beneficial. I believe Athletica could serve as a valuable “tool” to help me stay healthy and avoid injuries in the long run, without the need for a personal coach as a casual runner.

I hope I’ve conveyed my thoughts clearly. Perhaps others think, I should take running more seriously and consider personal coaching, but I’ve noticed that many in my neighborhood have increased their mileage over time without incorporating strength and stretching workouts to support their running. Some seek physiotherapy to address specific issues, but this is often not integrated with their running routines.

I wish Athletica could help bridge that gap, as it seems like a capable tool to guide me (and others) on a healthy running journey for many years to come - even or especially as a hobbyist.

Thanks

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As I go through Athleticas plan :wink: and watching and reading about running, I also realized something else.
Having specific mobility exercises during the week, based on feedback from a run or just as best practice (like the strength workout) is awesome but …

… Athletica is unique and go above and beyond, especially for hobbyists like me, I would love to see Warm Up and Cool Down exercises integrated into the workout. Not just a slow run at the beginning and the end, but some exercises to stretch the muscles and open up the hips etc.

As Garmin allows such workouts, sending this to Garmin watches would greatly improve the usability and usefulness of Athleticas training plans for hobbyists and even beginners who take it a little more serious. Even without Garmin devices it would be super useful watching a video to get mobilized before and stretched after a session.

I think there is enormous potential for this user group (would say around the age of 40 :wink: ), as those are suffering first and having issues after they started running. As their mileage increases, and they get fitter, they will eventually realize that running on its own is not fixing 8 hours of sitting :wink: or 20 years of no stretching and mobility

Perhaps I cannot mirror my experience to others, but on the other hand, perhaps I can - perhaps I am not the only one.

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I am 100 % with you on this one and one area we can for sure improve ! Thank you asking for this!
@Prof ?

Best, MJ

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