13/11/2024
WHAT TYPE OF STRETCHING IS BEST?
All stretching!
There are lots of stretching methods and benefits behind all of them, but these two I’m about to talk about are the most widely understood.
DYNAMIC & STATIC STRETCHES
DYNAMIC ~ MOVING BEFORE WORKOUTS
Dynamic stretching is a great way to warm up and prepare for any physical activity, such as going for a run or strength training.
Dynamic stretching increases blood flow to warm up muscles, lubricates your joints, and raises your heart and breathing rates to prepare your body to meet the physical demands of the exercise. Dynamic stretches can be functional and mimic the movement of the activity or sport you’re about to perform. For example, a swimmer may circle their arms before getting into the water.
STATIC ~ HOLDING AFTER WORKOUTS
Static stretching involves moving a joint as far as it can go and holding it for a length of time. You remain “static,”. It is a slow, controlled movement with emphasis on postural awareness and body alignment.
Muscles lengthen more when they’re warm, so you may see greater improvements when you stretch after a workout. You’ll also be less likely to pull or strain a muscle when it’s warm and pliable. Not only can static stretching improve your flexibility and range of motion, it can also help your muscles recover faster after a workout, leading to less pain and stiffness. Static stretching is also a great way to release stress and tension in your muscles, which can help you feel more relaxed.
CAN YOU STRETCH ANYTIME?
Yes! Both Dynamic and Static stretching can also be done on days when you’re not doing a workout and just want to stretch! This can be when you wake up, before bed, or during breaks at work. Anytime!