Static Stretching Vs Dynamic Flexibility

Flexibility is an important component of physicalStatic stretching and dynamic stretching are two
fitness that is often ignored. People often includemajor types of stretching that we most commonly
other components of fitness like strength training anduse. Static stretching also known as active stretching
cardiovascular endurance but fail to include stretchingis when we hold and stretch a muscle in an elongated
in their fitness routines. For the purposes of thisposition for an amount of time such as 20 to 30
article, we will start with the general benefits ofseconds. Dynamic stretching is very different since it
flexibility and then discuss static verses dynamicconsists of performing short sport specific
stretching and when to perform each.movements that may help prepare us for a certain
A person might be thinking "Why do I need tosport. An example could be an athlete who plays
stretch?" There are a few reasons why stretching tovolleyball. They could prepare by performing jumps to
obtain flexibility is important. First of all, stretching canreach a certain height and touching the wall. This will
help prevent injury. When muscles are stretched,simulate jumping and explosively hitting the volleyball.
they are less likely to be strained or pulled. It canMost research shows that dynamic stretching
reduce joint stiffness and pains. Improved flexibilityperformed before a sport is more effective than
can lead to better circulation. Improved circulationstatic stretching since it has explosive qualities.
helps the blood flow through the body properly.Furthermore, it should not interfere with the
People can also help their posture by stretchingexplosive power of that sport. The debate still
properly. When someone has poor posture fromcontinues how effective static stretching is prior to
sitting in an office chair all day, stretching the upperexercise since the research shows this can reduce
body will help improve posture. Stretching done aftermuscular power for that sport. Static stretching is
a workout can be beneficial in alleviating soreness.beneficial as I explained earlier since it can increase
Clients I have trained have noticed a significantflexibility and prevent injuries such as muscle tears.
improvement in how they feel through stretchingThe main debate is not whether or not we should
during a typical day without exercise and afteruse static stretching. It is more about making sure
exercising intensely. Stretching for athletes can helpwe perform static stretching after a sport or
with speed and quickness. Muscles that are tight canworkout instead of prior. Dynamic stretching is done
hinder performance.more as a pre-workout routine to increase blood
Athletes that have more flexibility are going to haveflow and also prevent injuries. Sports that exert an
more efficient movements. Golfers who I've trainedamount of force such as football, sprinting or power
have noticed an increased range of motion fromlifters should use dynamic stretching prior to their
stretching which leads to longer drives on the golfactivity since they are sports that require a lot of
course. I have also stretched out lacrosse playersforce.
who were looking to get faster. Within just four toRecent studies have shown dynamic stretching can
six weeks of stretching their strides were longer,be more effective than static stretching. Through my
more efficient and faster. Increased stride length andexperience, my clients have seen the best results by
strike patterns through stretching can help runners sousing a combination of both dynamic and static
they are less likely to be injured and get a pulledstretching. I would recommend using both types of
muscle.stretching appropriately so that we can reap the
Static Stretching vs. Dynamic Stretchingbenefits of flexibility.