Stretching – Static vs Dynamic
A Static Stretch is when a person holds a stretch in a stable position without considerable active movement through the stretch which lasts up to around 30 seconds.
A Dynamic Stretch, As stated on Dictionary.com – ‘a type of sports fitness routine in which momentum and active muscular effort are used to stretch and the end position is not held’. Dynamic movement stretches are designed to take a joint or a muscle through a challenging and repetitive motion, moving a body part further with each repetition.
Which is better?
Even though static stretching was considered the norm for a long period, all the new research suggests that dynamic stretching is more ideal.
Some of these reasons include:
- Creates better elasticity in your muscle by increasing the core temperature and warms up your muscle before activity.
- Dynamic stretching can be more specific to the activity you are participating in. You are able to warm up specifically which in turn helps prevent injury
- Dynamic stretching increases your range of motion. This will allow you to move more freely.
In stating this, static stretching is beneficial for post activity/workout. After physical activity, the muscles should be warmed up and the static stretch has the ability to relax the muscle as well as maintain its flexibility and range of motion. Dynamic stretching is also beneficial post activity, but has its major benefits pre activity/workout.
In a nutshell dynamic stretching has more benefits but each style has its place.
For examples of dynamic stretches and static stretches please click on this link. I will have a link to a video we have created.
More info please contact us on 02956 45222
