Whether you’ve been training for years or just started an exercise routine, you’ve probably wondered, “When should I stretch?”
The answer is, it depends.
Dynamic stretching involves moving in and out of positions through a range of motion, such as bodyweight squats, lunges, good mornings and shoulder extensions and abductions. This type of stretching is ideal before strength training as it helps prime the joints and soft tissues for the upcoming movements and prepares the central nervous system for the workload.
A dynamic warm-up also includes elevating the heart rate, raising tissue temperature and activating the core, all of which help protect your body during the workout.
Static stretching focuses on elongating muscles that may have contracted during the training session. It helps reduce the heart rate and turn on the parasympathetic nervous system to kickstart the recovery process.
So which should you incorporate into your exercise routine?
Both!
Dynamic stretching to prepare for the workout, and static stretching to help your body and nervous system recover from it.
If you need any help with a pre- and/or post-working stretching routine, reply back and let me know!