Whenever you caught a cramp, or you’ve just crushed a killer workout, stretching should be your go-to move. It's a key step that should never be missed in your fitness routine. It’s maybe one the most underrated, effective ways to keep your body moving and feeling good.
But here’s the thing, not all stretches are the same, and many newbies can’t differentiate between types of stretches, specifically static and dynamic stretches.
Not sure which stretches to do before your workout? Don’t worry — we’ve got you covered. Check out our beginner’s guide to static and dynamic stretching below.
Dynamic Stretches
Dynamic stretches are the “warm up stretches” before any workout. They are the type of stretches that involve active movements that take your muscles and joints through a full range of motion. These movements include leg swings, arm circles, or walking lunges. Dynamic stretching is all about engaging your body in motion, helping to activate both the muscles and the nervous system, so they’re ready for the workout. These kind of stretches are essential before any workout in order, keeping it stress and injury free.
Static Stretches
Static stretches are the complete opposite. They’re the “post workout stretches” that involve holding a stretch for 20-30 seconds or longer, allowing the muscles to lengthen and relax, promoting better muscle recovery, relaxation and reduce soreness. There are a lot of stretches you can incorporate to slow down your body after intense exercise, like seated forward bend, shoulder stretch, child’s pose and many more. These stretches serve as a reset button to your body, calming your mussels down and improving flexibility.
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