More About Dynamic Stretching

          You’ve heard the buzz words before. If not, you may have read them in last week’s post… dynamic stretching, static stretching, and active stretching. This week we will take a closer look at Dynamic Stretching.

Dynamic Stretching Defined

Dynamic Stretches are meant to get the body moving. The stretches aren’t held for any length of time, instead, dynamic stretching involve movement that stretches the muscles to their full range of motion. These exercises often simulate functional movements and help prime the body for more intense training, practices, workouts, and games.

For example, swimmers might do arms swings to help prime their bodies, while runners might do high knee raises to prime theirs.

When to Dynamic Stretch

As stated in last weeks post, dynamic stretching is ideal before engaging in any type of exercise, practice, training, workout, game, etc. The whole purpose behind dynamic stretching is to get the body moving, thus warming the body up for the upcoming activity.

Types of Dynamic Stretches

Because there are a myriad of different types of dynamic stretches, you want to be smart about the ones you engage in. Your stretching routine should incorporate general stretches to warm up your body as well as stretches that warms up the specific muscle groups that are utilized by your sport.

As with any athletic activity, you should focus on maintaining proper form and never stretch to the point of discomfort and/or pain. Always consult your trained coach, trainer, therapist, doctor to make sure you are engaging in stretching activities that are conducive to your needs and the sport/activity you engage in.