Everyone pretty much knows they need to stretch. But do you know when? Do you know why? Well, I hope to answer this with 3 simple tips.
1. There are 2 types of stretching - related to strength training anyhow. They are dynamic and static. Dynamic stretching is more of a warm up and consists of quick movements. These quick movements simply warm up the muscle for action. Static is a slow hold of a stretch and should be held for 30 seconds or longer. These slow holding movements simply lengthen the muscle after a hard workout.
2. When should you perform these stretches? Dynamic stretching is more of a way to warm up the muscles and prepare for a workout, and even during a workout. This helps to keep the muscles and joint pliable. Static stretches are done at the end of the workout to help alleviate soreness and to lengthen the muscle after a strenuous workout.
3. Why are you doing these stretches? Dynamic is done at the beginning of a workout to warm up the joint and muscles and prevent injury. Static stretches are performed at the end of your workout because, and this is important: if you were to lengthen the muscle before you train it you are likely to put the muscle out of range of motion it is used to and could cause an injury.
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