Before we really get into dynamic stretching, you can take a minute to learn more about flexibility training. It’s always best to have a solid understanding of what flexibility training is, so you can apply that knowledge to each of the various stretching strategies.
Dynamic stretching uses momentum and an exaggerated range of motion to warm up muscles for the subsequent exercise. The main caveat of dynamic stretching is that the stretch position is not held, as it is with static stretching.
Dynamic stretching involves moving parts of your body and gradually increasing reach, speed of movement, or both. This is not to be confused with ballistic stretching and static stretching, which can be dangerous when used at the beginning of your workouts.
Dynamic stretching can be performed before or after a medium intensity 5-minute dynamic warm-up consisting of jogging, jumping jacks, or jumping rope.
Never begin a ballistic or static stretching session cold. Warm-up to stretch, but NEVER stretch to warm up. Conversely, dynamic stretching can be used when you’re still cold.
Let’s figure out how, why, when, and where to use dynamic stretching.
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